Earthquake of 6.5 magnitude strikes the Pacific, no tsunami threat

An earthquake of 6.5 magnitude on the Richter scale struck in the Pacific, off the Solomon Islands on July 10. Seismologists say that no major damage is expected and tsunami threat has been issued.

"Based on all available data a destructive Pacific-wide tsunami is not expected," the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said. The Solomons are part of the Pacific "Ring of Fire", a zone of tectonic activity known for its frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

According to the United States Geological Survey,the quake hit 154 kilometres southwest of Dadali and 170 kilometres west of the capital, Honiara. USGS had initially measured the earthquake at 7.0 magnitude but revised it down. It was followed by a tremor of 5.3 magnitude. "Honiara would have certainly felt this. There would have been a bit of shaking, but only light shaking at this distance," Geoscience Australia seismologist Jonathan Bathgate said.

A spokesman for the National Disaster Management Office in the Solomon said that "at the moment, no reports have come in of any damage. It is unlikely if there will be much damage, if any." 

In 2013, the island was hit by a tsunami after an 8.0 magnitude quake, leaving at least 10 people dead and thousands homeless after buildings were destroyed.