An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 hit
off the Solomon Islands at 1738 GMT on Thursday, the US Geological Survey said. The quake was initially reported to be
of magnitude 8.0.
"Hazardous tsunami waves from this earthquake are possible
within the next three hours along some coasts of Solomon
Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Nauru, New Caledonia, Tuvalu
and Kosrae," the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said.