Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Powerful Quake Near Solomon Islands Triggers Tsunami Warning

by VOA News

   A 7.7 magnitude earthquake that hit off the coast of the Solomon
   Islands has left the Pacific island region at risk of a tsunami, the
   Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said.

   "A tsunami may have been generated by this earthquake that could be
   destructive on coastal areas even far from the epicenter," the center
   said in a statement on its website.

   The center said the potential tsunami waves could hit other small
   islands in the Pacific within the next three hours, including Vanuatu,
   Papua New Guinea, Nauru, New Caledonia, Tuvalu and Kosrae.

   Hawaii could also be at risk of seeing the tsunami waves, the center
   said, and any waves there would reach the island chain by 2:56 p.m.
   local time.

   The center said it would issue hourly updates until the threat is over.