(File Photo)

    BEIJING, Aug. 8 (Xinhuanet) -- A strong earthquake measuring 6.7 magnitude on the Richter scale struck near the Pacific island of Vanuatu on Tuesday, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said.

    The quake, which was recorded at a depth of about 160 km, hit at 0628 GMT, about 340 km northwest of the capital of Port Vila.

    The epicenter was about 80 km northeast of Luganville on the island of Espiritu Santo.

    There were no immediate reports on damage or injuries.

    Geoscience Australia said quakes of that magnitude were fairly common in the region, adding the quake was also likely much too deep to generate a tsunami.

    Vanuatu, a nation of about 200,000 people, is about 1,900 kilometers northeast of Australia.

    It is located in the Pacific's "Ring of Fire" region where earthquakes and volcanic activity are relatively prevalent. Enditem

    (Agencies)