A large magnitude 7.3 earthquake has struck the idyllic Pacific nation of Vanuatu.
The US Geological Survey said the quake’s centre was about 35km north east of the town of Luganville, just off the coast of the island province of Sanma, about 8.45pm Monday.
The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD) reports the quake occurred at a depth of 88km.
The US Tsunami Warning Centre said there is no tsunami threat associated with the quake.
Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation reported there was significant damage to a supermarket on the island.
Pictured of the Santo Nambawan Store showed shelves toppled onto the ground and aisles of products smashed.
Authorities are assessing the damage and there is still a risk of aftershocks.Â
Just a few days ago a large quake struck near Tonga which is just west of Vanuatu.
The magnitude 7.3 quake struck the Pacific nation of Vanuatu about 8.45pm Monday
Local news reported authorities are assessing damage on the island province of Sanma
The supermarket on the island was hit hard with shelves toppled over
It is unclear if there has been damage on any of the other nearby islands as many are remote with limited communications.
The chairman of Sanma province has called an urgent meeting for Tuesday.Â
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Huge magnitude 7.3 earthquake strikes Australia’s neighbour