A powerful 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck the Pacific islands nation of Vanuatu, but caused no injuries or damage.

A magnitude-6.2 earthquake has struck near the Pacific Island of Vanuatu, the US Geological Survey said.

A magnitude 6.2 earthquake has struck near the Pacific Island of Vanuatu, the US Geological Survey said today. There were no immediate reports of damages.

The eruption of a Vanuatu volcano eased slightly today, but the plight of thousands of villagers who fled to temporary evacuation centres did not, as they returned to their deserted gardens to forage for food.

Authorities in Vanuatu are evacuating thousands of villagers from homes near a volcano spewing ash and steam on the island of Ambae amid fears of a major eruption, officials said today.