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Tsunami warning: Solomons 7.8 quake prompts alert Solomon Islands tsunami warning lifted after powerful 7.8 quake
(35 minutes later)
A tsunami warning has been issued in some parts of the South Pacific following a powerful earthquake off the Solomon Islands. A tsunami warning has been lifted in parts of the South Pacific following a powerful earthquake off the Solomon Islands.
The 7.8 magnitude quake struck about 70km (43 miles) off Kirakira, according to the US Geological Survey.The 7.8 magnitude quake struck about 70km (43 miles) off Kirakira, according to the US Geological Survey.
It said it had occurred at about 17:40 GMT (04:40 Friday local time), followed by four aftershocks. It said it had occurred at about 17:40 GMT (04:40 Friday local time), followed by many aftershocks.
Phones and electricity were down in some areas, but there were no immediate reports of damage. Phones and electricity went down in some areas, but there were no reports of damage or casualties.
Users on social media said some places were being evacuated, with people moving to higher ground. Some said there had been no tsunami sirens. The epicentre of the quake was relatively deep - 41km (25 miles) - reducing the risk of destruction.
Tsunami waves of between 1m (3ft) to 3m (10ft) above the tide level were possible along some coasts of the Solomon Islands, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said. Users on social media said some places were evacuated, and people moved to higher ground.
Waves of up to 1m could hit Papua New Guinea, while smaller waves could reach French Polynesia. Warnings for other areas in the South Pacific and a tsunami watch for Hawaii have been cancelled. Minor sea level fluctuations may continue in the next few hours, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said. Social media reports suggested a wave of around 20cm in the capital, Honiara.
The Solomon Islands are located in the so-called "Ring of Fire" in the Pacific, a zone of major seismic activity which has one of the world's most active fault lines.The Solomon Islands are located in the so-called "Ring of Fire" in the Pacific, a zone of major seismic activity which has one of the world's most active fault lines.