Magnitude 7.4 earthquake strikes near Vanuatu capital

BREAKINGBREAKING,

Tsunami warning issued for nearby islands after earthquake strikes near Vanuatu’s capital Porta Vila.

A 7.4 magnitude earthquake has hit near Port Vila, Vanuatu, according to the United States Geological Survey.

Initial reports said the quake struck on Tuesday at a location 37km (23 miles) from the capital and a depth of 10 km(6 miles).

Footage posted on social media showed buckled windows and collapsed concrete pillars on a building hosting foreign embassies in Port Vila, including those of the US, France, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, the Reuters news agency reports.

There were no initial reports of injuries or deaths.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre in Honolulu reported that waves had been observed and issued a warning for coastlines in the area.

It said waves could reach neighbouring islands, including Fiji, the Kermadec Islands, Kiribati, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Wallis and Futuna.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology said that there was no tsunami threat to the country. Authorities in New Zealand also said there was no danger posed by a tsunami.

More to follow soon.

Source

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Al Jazeera and news agencies