Magnitude 7.6 quake hits near Solomon Islands, generates tsunami warning

Locals look at a bridge that was destroyed as a result of severe flooding near the capital Honiara in the Solomon Islands in this handout picture released by the Australian Defence Force on April 9, 2014. -- FILE PHOTO: REUTERS
Locals look at a bridge that was destroyed as a result of severe flooding near the capital Honiara in the Solomon Islands in this handout picture released by the Australian Defence Force on April 9, 2014. -- FILE PHOTO: REUTERS

(REUTERS) - A magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck near the Solomon Islands on Sunday morning with enough force to generate a tsunami warning for the immediate surrounding area, according to United States (US) government agencies.

A tsunami warning was issued for the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu, said the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

An earlier tsunami watch for Fiji, Australia, Indonesia and nearby areas was cancelled after the earthquake was revised down from its original magnitude of 8.3.

While a magnitude 7.0 earthquake is capable of causing widespread destruction, there were no immediate reports of damage.

The quake was 100km south of Kira Kira in the Solomon Islands at a depth of 29km, according to the US Geological Survey.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.