Preliminary magnitude 6.9 earthquake hits off coast of Vanuatu

Several aftershocks were later recorded in the area, including a preliminary magnitude 6.3 quake, according to the USGS. File. | Photo Credit: AP A preliminary magnitude 6.9 earthquake on Friday (October 23, 2026) hit off the coast of Vanuatu, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, prompting a tsunami warning for the area that was later rescinded.The quake in the South Pacific struck at around 1:30 p.m. and was centred 197 kilometres (122 miles) west-northwest of Port-Orly, at a depth of 10 km. Several aftershocks were later recorded in the area, including a preliminary magnitude 6.3 quake, according to the USGS.There were no immediate reports of damage. Published - October 24, 2026 11:03 am IST