6.1 quake hits off Solomons, no tsunami alert

WELLINGTON: A strong 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck beneath the sea off the Solomon Islands Tuesday, US seismologists said, but the tremor did not prompt a tsunami warning.

There were no immediate reports of damage from the quake, which the United States Geological Survey said hit at 1:04 pm (0204 GMT) at a depth of 13.5 kilometres (8.4 miles) southwest of the Solomons' Santa Cruz Islands.

The Hawaii-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center did not issue an alert after the quake.

In 2007 a tsunami following an 8.1-magnitude earthquake killed at least 52 people in the Solomon Islands and left thousands homeless. (AFP)