Quake strikes near Vanuatu in Pacific

RESTON, Va., May 10 (UPI) -- A 7-1 magnitude earthquake struck about 83 miles off the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu Tuesday, geologists monitoring the quake said.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake was 16.4 miles deep.

The Pacific Island Tsunami Warning Center said earthquakes of that size sometimes generate local tsunamis that can be destructive along the coasts.

"Authorities in the region of the epicenter should be aware of the possibility and take appropriate action," the center said.

No tsunami warning was issued for New Zealand, about 1,100 miles from the epicenter, TV 3 New Zealand reported.

Vanuatu is approximately 1,000 miles east of northern Australia and 300 miles northeast of New Caledonia.