'Very sharp' quake hits near Pacific islands

[IDemo]

Source: msnbc.com news services

Panicked residents of Vanuatu raced for higher ground after a powerful earthquake rattled the South Pacific island nation and generated a small tsunami Tuesday.

"It was quite a significant earthquake, and we're still having a few aftershocks," Ben McKenzie of the New Zealand High Commission told The Associated Press by phone from Port Vila.

The 9-inch tsunami was recorded off the capital Port Vila, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said.

Police said there were no immediate reports of major damage or injuries after the 7.5 magnitude quake, though buildings shook and power lines were down.

Read more: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38635217/ns/world_news-asiapacific/