NEW YORK, 30 March 2018:
A strong 6.9 magnitude earthquake jolted the coast of Papua New Guinea’s New Britain island, triggering a tsunami warning for surrounding coastlines. the US Geological Survey (USGS) said.
There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage from the shallow quake, which was initially reported at 7.2 magnitude close to the coast, the USGS said.
The Hawaii-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre issued a threat warning for parts of the southwestern Pacific.
Tsunami waves ranging from 30cm to 1m above tide level were forecast for parts of Papua New Guinea.
“Government agencies responsible for threatened coastal areas should take action to inform and instruct the coastal populations at risk,” the PTWC said in its alert.
– Bernama