7.9 quake near Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea

A magnitude 7.9 earthquake has struck between the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.

An alert from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) says widespread hazardous tsunami waves are possible for parts of the Pacific.

Areas issued tsunami warnings include Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea , Pohnpei , Vanuatu , Chuuk, Indonesia, Nauru and Kosrae.

Initial reports suggest the earthquake struck at a depth of 154km.

The quake was initially recorded at 8.0M.

More to come.

NZ Herald