The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has issued a tsunami warning after a strong earthquake struck in the South Pacific near the Solomon Islands this morning, July 18.

Map of the earthquake area - Photo: RT

The US Geological Survey (USGS) said the earthquake was located 80km off the coast of Lata province (Solomon Islands), at a depth of only about 10km. Initially, the agency said the earthquake had a magnitude of 7.5, but later revised it to 6.9.

According to RT, there are only about 550 people living in the area near the epicenter. However, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) issued a tsunami warning for a large area, including the entire Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Australia and even New Zealand.

"Hazardous tsunami waves from this earthquake are possible within 300km of the epicentre, along the coast of the Solomon Islands," the PTWC warning said.

The latest news is that the tsunami warning has now been lifted. There are no reports of damage or casualties near the earthquake site.

(According to RT/TTO)