1st LD: 7.9-magnitude quake hits Papua New Guinea: USGS

An earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale jolted 49 km off Taron, Papua New Guinea on Saturday, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

The epicenter, with a depth of 103.2 km, was initially determined to be at 4.509 degrees south latitude and 153.45 degrees east longitude.

There is no word yet on damage or injuries.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has issued a tsunami threat message for other parts of the Pacific located closer to the earthquake, which later is cancelled.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said in a bulletin, "Based on all available data, there is no tsunami threat to Hawaii."

Quakes are common for the island nation that lies on the 4,000-kilometre-long Pacific Australia plate, which forms part of the "Ring of Fire," a hotspot for seismic activity due to friction between tectonic plates. Endit