Solomon Islands Rocked by 6.5 Magnitude Quake

Seismologists from the US Geological Survey have reported a 6.5 magnitude earthquake in the South Pacific off the Solomon Islands, which was followed by a 5.3 magnitude aftershock.

A 6.5 magnitude earthquake hit the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific on Friday, the US Geological Survey said; no tsunami warning was issued.

There was no immediate word on casualties or damage resulting from the earthquake, which struck at a depth of about 20 kilometers, about 170 kilometers west of the Solomon Islands' capital Honiara.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said, in turn, that "based on all available data, a destructive Pacific-wide tsunami is not expected" in the area.