6.1 magnitude earthquake strikes South Pacific island Vanuatu

ISTANBUL

An earthquake with 6.1 magnitude on Saturday struck near Port-Vila, South Pacific island Vanuatu, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).

The earthquake occurred at a depth of 39.9 kilometers (24.7 miles).

There were no casualties or significant damage reported.

Earlier on Tuesday, powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake hit the island nation, killing 14 people, and injuring 200 others.

Katie Greenwood, head of the International Federation of Red Cross’s Pacific division, said that the region had "never seen" such damage to property, including private and public buildings, caused by a 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Vanuatu on Tuesday.

She said the earthquake affected approximately 100,000 people.

Vanuatu, located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, is prone to earthquakes caused by tectonic plate boundaries.

The powerful earthquake caused damage to both residential and public buildings, many of which "pancaked," according to locals and images shared on social media.