Magnitude 6.7 earthquake hits capital of Vanuatu

SANAA, Feb. 16 (YPA) – A strong earthquake measuring 6.7 on the Richter scale hit early on Tuesday, west of Port Vila, capital of the Vanuatu Islands.

According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake struck at a depth of 10 km.
The authority indicated that the earthquake occurred at latitude (17,810 south) and longitude (167,468 east).
No material or casualties were reported, and no tsunami warning was reported, according to the Geological Survey.
Vanuatu, located in what is known as the “Pacific Ring of Fire”, is highly vulnerable to natural disasters.

In recent years, the islands have been threatened by rising sea levels and changing weather patterns.
In fact, this archipelago is among the countries in the world most exposed to natural hazards, according to a report issued by the United Nations University, the research and academic arm of the organization in 2014.