Earthquake hits Papua New Guinea

A 7.1-magnitude earthquake has been recorded in Papua New Guinea, and a local tsunami is possible.

The US Geological Survey said the quake was centred in the province of East New Britain, about 70 miles from the provincial capital, Kokopo.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said hazardous tsunami waves were possible within 186 miles of the epicentre. It also said the epicentre was 38 miles deep. Shallower quakes typically have more damage potential.

Papua New Guinea sits on the Ring of Fire, the arc of seismic faults around the Pacific Ocean where earthquakes are common.