December 2, 2012 – VANUATU– A strong 6.4-magnitude earthquake has struck off the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu, but no tsunami warning was issued. Seismologists say the quake had a relatively shallow depth of 34 kilometers. The quake struck just before midday local time, and was centered 108 kilometers northwest of the capital, Port Vila, the United States Geological Survey said. There have been no immediate reports of damage or injury. Vanuatu lies on the so-called “Pacific Ring of Fire,” a zone of frequent seismic activity caused by friction between shifting tectonic plates. It has been rocked by several large quakes in recent years, averaging about three magnitude 7.0 or above incidents every year without any major damage. –NST 

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