7.5-magnitude quake hits Solomon Islands

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.