5.8-magnitude earthquake strikes off Solomon Islands: USGS

Sydney, July 2: A 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the Solomon Islands early today, US geologists said, but there were no initial reports of damage and no tsunami warnings were issued.

The quake hit at a depth of 8.9 kilometres, 92 kilometres from Kirakira and 334 kilometres from the capital Honiara. It struck at 3:35 am (local time) on Thursday.

The Solomons are part of the Pacific "Ring of Fire", a zone of tectonic activity known for its frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

In 2013, the Solomons were hit by a tsunami after an 8.0-magnitude quake, leaving at least 10 people dead and thousands homeless after buildings were destroyed.

PTI