Sydney: A 5.7-magnitude earthquake hit northwest of the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu today, the US Geological Survey said, but there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.


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The quake, which struck at a depth of 20 kilometres (12.4 miles) and about 250 kilometres northwest of Vanuatu's Santo island, was first reported as a 6.0 magnitude before being downgraded by the USGS.


No tsunami warning was issued.


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


Last year the island nation was rocked by a series of quakes, including some that prompted tsunami warnings.