7.5-magnitude quake hits Solomon Islands

SYDNEY (PNA/Xinhua) – An earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale jolted 83 km off Lata, Solomon Islands on Saturday, the U.S. Geological Survey said. The epicenter, with a depth of 12.0 km, was initially determined to be at 10.3 degrees south latitude and 165.2 degrees east longitude. A tsunami alert for coastal areas near the Solomon Islands has been issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center warning for a 300-km-radius from the epicenter. There is no word yet on damage or injuries. In 2013, the Solomons were hit by a tsunami after an 8.0- magnitude quake, leaving at least 10 people dead and thousands homeless after buildings were destroyed.