Two large earthquakes off coast of Vanuatu prompt tsunami warning

A tsunami warning has been issued after two large earthquakes struck off the coast of Vanuatu. A 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck first about 200 kilometres west of Sola at 12:31pm AEST on Saturday, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). It was followed shortly after by a 6.3 magnitude quake. USGS recorded the quake at a depth of 10km. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said hazardous tsunami waves were possible for coastlines within 300km of the epicentre. Its initial threat forecast identified Vanuatu as the area potentially affected. "Persons located in threatened coastal areas should stay alert for information and follow instructions from national and local authorities," the warning centre said. No threat is currently issued for Australia, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. PTWC listed the initial magnitude of the larger quake as 7.2, but the USGS downgraded it to 6.9.