Solomon Islands jarred by 7.0 quake

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — A powerful magnitude 7.0 earthquake jolted the Solomon Islands Tuesday afternoon, overturning tables and sending people racing for higher ground.

Solomon Islands government spokesperson George Herming said the islands doesn’t have any big high-rises that might be vulnerable to a quake.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said all the staff of Australia’s High Commission were safe.

“There are no known injuries but the roof of the High Commission annex has collapsed, which would point to likely damage throughout the city,” Albanese told Parliament.

“Staff have been moved to higher ground because there was a tsunami warning that was issued. Our High Commission is seeking to confirm the safety of all Australians in the Solomons. There are difficulties because phone lines have gone down,” Albanese added.