Earthquake with preliminary magnitude of 7.2 strikes off northern coast of Vanuatu

A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.2 has struck off the north coast of Vanuatu.

The quake struck at 6.23pm (AEST) at a depth of 35km, the US Geological Survey said. 

The earthquake epicentre is 81km from Port Olry and 407km from Port Vila, the South Pacific nation's capital.

Authorities have warned a tsunami is possible in the region.

The Bureau of Meteorology has confirmed there is no tsunami threat to Australia's mainland, islands or territories.

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