Loyalty Islands

The 7.1 magnitude earthquake was felt shortly before 2pm and was at a depth of 45 kilometres. A second 6.5 earthquake was recorded 18 minutes later.

After evaluating the risk, NEMA said there was no tsunami threat to New Zealand reports RNZ Pacific.

NEMA spokesperson Anthony Frith said today's quake was significantly smaller than yesterday's 7.7 quake, which saw a tsunami warning issued for in New Caledonia, Fiji and Vanuatu Friday.

RNZ reports the quake struck at a depth of 10km, southeast of the Loyalty Islands, in New Caledonia.

A warning was issued for Vanuatu, New Caledonia and Fiji, but the Hawaii-based centre now says the threat has passed.

However, it still advised people in the area to exercise caution near the sea, as minor fluctuations can occur in coastal areas.

There have so far been no reports of damaged.