7.5-magnitude quake hits Solomon Islands, tsunami alert issued

An earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale jolted 83 km off Lata, Solomon Islands on Saturday, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

The epicenter, with a depth of 12.0 km, was initially determined to be at 10.3 degrees south latitude and 165.2 degrees east longitude.

A tsunami alert for coastal areas near the Solomon Islands has been issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre warning for a 300-km-radius from the epicenter.

There is no word yet on damage or injuries.

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