Quake strikes off Solomon Islands

Published Jul 10, 2010

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A moderate 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck near the Solomon Islands in the western Pacific Saturday, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said.

No tsunami warning was immediately issued.

The quake hit at a depth of 35 kilometres (22 miles) with an epicentre 39 kilometres northwest of Dadali and 223 kilometres northwest of the capital Honiara at 11:54 pm (1254 GMT), the USGS said.

The Solomon Islands were struck by a 6.9-magnitude quake in June which sparked panic but caused no damage.

The Solomons lie in the "Pacific ring of fire", a highly active earthquake zone that regularly experiences tremors.

In April 2007 an 8.0-magnitude quake in the western Solomons triggered a tsunami that killed more than 50 people and displaced thousands. Gizo harbour lost most of its wharves and jetties in the quake and subsequent tsunami. - Sapa-AFP

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