STRONG magnitude 6.2 earthquake ROCKS New Caledonia on Ring of Fire off Australian coast

The quake was later downgraded to a 5 on the Richter scale. A magnitude 5 earthquake on means it was moderate and slight damage to buildings and other structures may be possible. The quake hit east of the Loyalty Islands near New Caledonia in the South Pacific on Friday, the USGS said.

It struck at a depth of 26km (16miles) about 189km (117miles) east-southeast of Tadine in the Loyalty Islands.

There were no immediate warnings from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC).

It follows a powerful 7.6 earthquake that hit near New Caledonia on Wednesday.

The Ring of Fire region is a horseshoe shape of tectonic plates and volcanoes, which snakes around the globe.

It is where many earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions occur, making it one of the most volatile areas on the planet in terms of natural disasters.

More to follow…