Hawaii: Tsunami Watch https://t.co/FOLQqxSiRG
— tsunami watch (@tsunamiwatch) 8 декабря 2016 г.
"Based on all available data a tsunami may have been generated by this earthquake that could be destructive on coastal areas even far from the epicenter," the bulletin stated.
The bulletin noted the Center is investigating at present the threat level posed by the potential tsunami to Hawaii.
A strong earthquake struck off the Solomon Islands at 17:38 GMT, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said.
The magnitude of the quake was initially estimated at 8.0, but was later downgraded to 7.7.
Prelim M7.7 earthquake Solomon Islands Dec-8 17:38 UTC, updates https://t.co/bLsPOHbyLK
— USGS Big Quakes (@USGSBigQuakes) 8 декабря 2016 г.
"Hazardous tsunami waves from this earthquake are possible within the next three hours along some coasts of Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Nauru, New Caledonia, Tuvalu and Kosrae," the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said.