7.0 magnitude earthquake in Solomon Islands briefly triggers tsunami warning

Authorities in Solomon Islands said no tsunami warning would be issued after two earthquakes his just off the south-west coast.

A tsunami warning was issued by the United States Geological Survey after the first, magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck on Tuesday, but this warning was withdrawn soon after.

A second quake, with a magnitude of 6.0, struck nearby 30 minutes later.

The office of the Solomon Islands prime minister reported no major damage to buildings in the capital Honiara, but power was out in some areas of the city.

Albanese said all staff of the Australian high commission were safe and they had moved to higher ground because of earlier tsunami concerns.

Albanese said the high commission was seeking to confirm the safety of all Australians in Solomon Islands but this was difficult because telecommunications had been disrupted.

Solomon Islands Broadcasting said in a statement on Facebook that all radio services were off air.

The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service said there was no tsunami threat to the country, but warned about unusual sea currents in coastal areas.

The quake near Malango was shallow, with a depth of 10km, the USGS said.

People reported violent shaking that threw televisions and other items to the ground.

Freelance journalist Charley Piringi said he was standing outside a warehouse next to a primary and a secondary school on the outskirts of the capital, Honiara, when the quake struck, sending the children running.

An AFP reporter in the capital said the shaking lasted for about 20 seconds.

Power was out in some areas of the city and people were leaving their offices and fleeing to higher ground.