BREAKING: Powerful Earthquake strikes just off coast of holiday island Fiji

The 6.5 magnitude quake was recorded 50km Southeast from Tuvuca island, Lau; 284km Southeast from Labasa and 337km East north-east from Suva, Fiji.

The Seismology Unit of Fiji's Mineral Resources Department said it occurred at a depth of 589km at 1:42pm local time (1.42am UK)

No tsunami warning has been issued at this stage, although it said it is closely monitoring the situation.

Fiji falls within the so-called "Pacific Ring of Fire" – a string of volcanoes around the Pacific Ocean that make it a seismically active area.

Earthquakes have struck terror into the heart of mankind since the dawn of time. These once inexplicable phenomena were interpreted by primitive civilisations as the anger of the gods. With death tolls of up to half a million people, it's not hard to see why.

The Pacific Ring of Fire has sprung to life in the last week. with numerous intense quakes felt around it.

They include ones in New Zealand, Vanuatu, Japan, Indonesia and Mexico.

The Mexico quake was particularly devastating, with hundreds left dead and widespread damage in the capital.

Just hours ago, tremors were felt in Papua New Guinea after the Pacific Ring rumbled to life again.