Another big quake off Vanuatu's north

An earthquake measuring 6.9 struck north-west of the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu shortly before 6pm local time.

According to RNZI, the US Geological Survey tracked the quake as occurring near the top of Vanuatu's largest island, Esperitu Santo, or 170 kilometres north-northwest of Luganville, at a depth of 10 kilometre.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre did not issue a Pacific-wide tsunami warning.

This quake comes in the same area as a 6.9 magnitude quake at 35 kilometre depth on Sunday.