7.0-magnitude earthquake hits Vanuatu, tsunami warning issued: USGS

Hong Kong: A 7.0-magnitude earthquake hit the Pacific nation of Vanuatu early Friday, the United States Geological Survey said, with a tsunami warning issued.

The quake, which occurred at a depth of 35 kilometres (21 miles) was originally measured at 7.3 magnitude by the National Tsunami Warning Center (NTWC).

"Hazardous tsunami waves from this earthquake are possible within 300 km of the epicentre along the coast of Vanuatu," the NTWC said.

The quake hit 209 kilometres from the capital Port Vila, according to USGS.

Vanuatu is part of the "Ring of Fire", a zone of tectonic activity around the Pacific that is subject to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

A 6.5-magnitude tremor hit the country earlier this month but no tsunami alerts were issued.