Massive earthquake hits Solomon Islands

A very powerful earthquake hit the Solomon Islands today and officials in Hawaii warned low-lying Pacific nations to be ready for the tidal wave that could follow.

There were no immediate reports of injuries after the quake, which hit between the impoverished Solomon’s South Malaita and Makira regions.

The 7.2 magnitude quake struck 120 miles east-northeast of Bougainville island, 20 miles under the earth’s surface, the US Geological Survey said.

Honolulu’s Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said the tremor could have created a tsunami, or giant wave, and issued alerts for the island nations of Nauru, New Caledonia, the Marshall Islands and Fiji.