Post by Nats on Dec 8, 2016 18:35:44 GMT
A magnitude 7.7 quake has hit 70km off the Solomon Islands, reports the USGS, with warnings issued of destructive tsunamis.
The earthquake struck at 6.38am (NZT) was centred 63km west-south-west of Kirakira, the agency said. It was followed by a 5.5-magnitude aftershock at 7.03am (NZT).
The threat of damaging tsunamis was widespread following the quake, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said.
"Hazardous tsunami waves from this earthquake are possible within the next three hours along some coasts of Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Nauru, New Caledonia, Tuvalu and Kosrae," the centre said.
GeoNet tweeted the tsunami experts panel had been activated to assess any threat to New Zealand.
The quake was initially rated at magnitude 8.0
The earthquake struck at 6.38am (NZT) was centred 63km west-south-west of Kirakira, the agency said. It was followed by a 5.5-magnitude aftershock at 7.03am (NZT).
The threat of damaging tsunamis was widespread following the quake, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said.
"Hazardous tsunami waves from this earthquake are possible within the next three hours along some coasts of Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Nauru, New Caledonia, Tuvalu and Kosrae," the centre said.
GeoNet tweeted the tsunami experts panel had been activated to assess any threat to New Zealand.
The quake was initially rated at magnitude 8.0
