Strong earthquake strikes near Solomon Islands; no tsunami warning issued

Strong earthquake strikes near Solomon Islands

SYDNEY — A strong earthquake shook the South Pacific near the Solomon Islands on Saturday, just days after a large earthquake and tsunami hit the country. No tsunami watch was issued after Saturday’s quake.

The 6.3 magnitude quake struck 90 miles (146 kilometers) southeast of the provincial capital Gizo at a depth of 22 miles (35 kilometers), the U.S. Geological Survey reported. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued no tsunami warning.

On Monday, a magnitude-7.2 quake sent a tsunami up to 10 feet (3 meters) high crashing into the shores of Rendova Island and nearby Tetepare Island. No serious injuries were reported.

The Solomon Islands lie on the “Ring of Fire” — an arc of earthquake and volcanic zones that stretches around the Pacific Rim and where about 90 percent of the world’s quakes occur.