Vanuatu Struck by Powerful Earthquake
7.1 Magnitude Quake Shakes South Pacific Nation
No Immediate Reports of Casualties or Tsunamis
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.1 struck the South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu on Thursday evening, sending residents fleeing their homes but causing no immediate reports of casualties or tsunamis.
The earthquake occurred at 11:28 p.m. local time (9:28 a.m. GMT) about 104 kilometers (64 miles) west-northwest of the capital, Port Vila, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
The quake was felt across much of Vanuatu, with residents in Port Vila describing shaking that lasted for several minutes and caused objects to fall from shelves.
There were no immediate reports of injuries or deaths, and the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department said there was no tsunami threat.
However, the department warned residents to be prepared for aftershocks and to stay away from coastal areas.
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