Tsunami warning issued across the Pacific Ocean after powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake rocks the Solomon Islands
A MASSIVE 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck off the Solomon Islands earlier today, prompting authorities across the Pacific region to issue a tsunami warning.
According to the United States Geological Survey, the quake occurred 45 miles west of Kirakira at around 5.40pm UK time, and in the early hours of Friday morning local time.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center measured waves of up to 12cm about 30 minutes after the quake struck, resulting in the all clear being given.
The National Weather Service said earthquakes of this size are known to generate potentially dangerous tsunamis.
“The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center is analyzing the event to determine the level of danger,” the agency said in a statement.
It said tsunami waves are possible for the next three hours. Minutes after the initial earthquake, a 5.5-magnitude aftershock hit the region.
The Solomon Islands, which has a population of around 500,000 people, is located in the Pacific "Ring of Fire" where a large number of earthquakes happen.
Resident Tali Hong said tremors from the quake were the most powerful she had ever experienced.
She told NBC: "The earthquake was one of the biggest and longest I have ever felt.
"I was born here in Honiara and lived here most of my life.
"I'm located in central Honiara, in one of the big urban areas. Just checked with my neighbors and surrounding area; there is not visible damage. However, we have no electricity at the moment."
The main quake was 25 miles (40km) deep - deeper quakes are considered less dangerous.
The first quake was followed by several large aftershocks, the United States Geological Service said.
Slightly more powerful quakes in the islands in 2007 and 2013 killed 52 and nine people respectively.
More follows.
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