In a post a short time ago, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said a destructive Pacific-wide tsunami was not expected.
The quake struck the centre of Erromango Island at a depth of 200km.
Erromango has a population of just under 2000 people.
Vanuatu - like other countries along the Pacific's 'Ring of Fire' - is prone to earthquakes.
More to come
Photo: US Geological Survey The USGS said Thursday's quake was centred north of Isangel, Vanuatu.