6.6 magnitude earthquake hits Pacific Ocean off Vanuatu

Vanuatu, Jan 16: A strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.6 has struck the Pacific Ocean off Vanuatu. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

6.6 magnitude earthquake hits Pacific Ocean off Vanuatu
6.6 magnitude earthquake hits Pacific Ocean off Vanuatu

The earthquake, which struck at 5:06 a.m. local time on Wednesday, was centered just off Toga, an island in the Torres Islands archipelago in Torba province. 

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) put the preliminary magnitude at 6.6, down from an initial estimate of 6.8. It said it struck at a depth of 47 kilometers (29 miles), making it a shallow earthquake.