Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
World
Siobhan Fenton

Solomon Islands earthquake: Magnitude 6 earthquake strikes near Honiara

A magnitude 6 earthquake has struck 89km west of Honiara on the Solomon Islands, the US Georgraphical Survey has said.

The quake had a depth of 10km, which is considered shallow.

It struck at approximately 18:00 local time or 07:30 UK time.

Honiara is the capital of the Solomon Islands.

There have been no reports of injuries or serious damage and no immediate tsunami warning has been issued.

The US Geographical Society has issued a green alert, saying "there is a low likelihood of casualties and damage". They warned that some secondary effects or further damage may be possible as "recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides that might have contributed to losses."

The area is prone to serious earthquakes. In 2013 a magnitude 8 earthquake struck, causing a tsunami. At least nine people died and 17 others were seriously injured. A number of bodies were not recovered. Significant structural damage to the buildings and roads also occurred.

In February of this year a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Papua New Guinea, close to the Solomon Islands.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.