Magnitude 6.9-7.2 earthquake hits off coast of Vanuatu

• A preliminary magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck off the coast of Vanuatu.
• The quake was centred 197 kilometres west-northwest of Port-Orly, at a depth of 10 km.
• A magnitude 7.2 earthquake was also reported by the USGS near Vanuatu.
• A tsunami warning was issued for the area but later rescinded.
• The event occurred at around 1:30 p.m. local time.