The quake briefly prompted a tsunami alert for parts of Vanuatu, according to the U.S. Tsunami Warning System, which is part of the National Weather Service. As of 2:14 p.m. local time, U.S. officials said the threat had passed.

At least 10 buildings in Port Vila suffered significant damage, while a nearby landslide was responsible for at least six deaths, the Vanuatu government said.

Australian tourists described the terrifying moment a violent earthquake struck Vanuatu earlier this week as they arrived back home on Thursday evening.