A tsunami measuring 0.9 metres (3ft) has hitthe Solomon Islands following an 8.0 quake.
The US Tsunami Warning Center earlier issued warnings for several South Pacific islands after a major earthquake measuring struck offthe Solomon Islands,the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre in Hawaii says.
The warning was issued for the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Nauru, Papua New Guinea Tuvalu, New Caledonia, Kosrae, Fiji, Kiribati, and Wallis and Futuna islands.
A tsunami watch has also been issued for the rest ofthe South Pacific nations, including Australia, New Zealand and
The quake struck at a very shallow depth of only 5km and was located 340km east of Kira Kira inthe Solomons.
“It is not known that a tsunami was generated. This warning is based only onthe earthquake evaluation,” saidthe tsunami centre.
At Lata Hospital inthe Solomons, most ofthe patients have been taken to higher ground.
Charles Ngali, who is inthe hospital, which is on high ground, told ONE News that he felt a series of strong earthquakes.
Source: Reuters