6.9 magnitude quake hits off Solomon Islands

A strong 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of the Solomon Islands on Saturday, but there were no immediate reports of damage and no tsunami warning was issued.

A strong 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of the Solomon Islands on Saturday, but there were no immediate reports of damage and no tsunami warning was issued.

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The US Geological Survey (USGS) said the earthquake hit at 3:16pm (0416 GMT) at a depth of 81 kilometres and centered 171 kilometres southeast of the capital Honiara.

Residents on the mainland said they felt a sharp jolt but emergency services said there was no immediate evidence of damage although reports were still being sought from outlying islands.

The Solomons lie in the "Pacific ring of fire", a highly active earthquake zone, and regularly experiences strong tremors.