A 7.3-magnitude earthquake hit the Pacific nation of Vanuatu early Friday, the United States Geological Survey said, with a tsunami warning issued.

The quake was centered about 60 miles (95 km) southeast of the town of Santo at a depth of 6.2 miles (10 km), USGS said.

"Hazardous tsunami waves from this earthquake are possible within 300 km of the epicentre along the coast of Vanuatu," the NTWC said.Back on April 17, Ecuador was hit by the strongest earthquake in decades, killing at least 233 people and leaving over 580 injured. A state of emergency was declared in the six worst-hit provinces in the country.

Both of the countries lie squarely on top of the Pacific Ring of Fire.The Pacific Ring of Fire is an area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean where most of the volcanic eruptions, 90% of the world's earthquakes and 81%of the world's largest earthquakes occur. In a 40,000 km horseshoe shape, it is home to a nearly continuous series of oceanic trenches, volcanic arcs, and plate movements. More than 75% of the world's active and dormant volcanoes - about 452 - are situated on the Ring of Fire.