The Solomon Islands archipelago in the Pacific was hit by a 7.2-magnitude earthquake today, causing a local tsunami that may have been destructive along coasts near the epicentre, agencies said.
The earthquake hit at 9:36 am local time about 105 kilometres south-southeast of Gizo, the US Geological Survey said. The earthquake was 30.5 kilometres deep.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said sea level measurements taken off Honiara indicated a tsunami of 6 centimetres (0.2 feet) was generated.
“Danger to boats and coastal structures can continue for several hours due to the continuing sea level changes and rapid currents,” the centre said in an e-mail advisory.
“No tsunami threat exists for other coastal areas in the Pacific although some other areas may experience small, non-destructive sea level changes lasting up to several hours”.
A 6.5-magnitude earthquake hit the same area at 8:48 am local time, according to the USGS.
The Solomon Islands archipelago, about 2,500 kilometres east of Australia, lies in the Pacific "Ring of Fire" and experiences frequent seismic tremors.
About 50 people were killed and more than 5,000 left homeless there after an 8.1- magnitude earthquake triggered a tsunami in April 2007.
Bloomberg