7.1 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Near Papua New Guinea

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck off the coast of Papua New Guinea Friday morning.

The U.S. geological survey placed the epicenter 35 miles southwest of the town of Panguna on Bougainville Island.

Initial reports put the quake’s magnitude at 7.3, but the USGS later downgraded its severity to 7.1. There have not been serious injuries or damage reported as a result of the quake.

A 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Papua New Guinea Friday morning.

IMAGE: USGS

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center recorded both quakes but has not issued tsunami watches or warnings for any Pacific regions.

However, that does not rule out the possibility of local flooding. The Philippines issued an all-clear following the quakes, but warned areas closer to the epicenter could experience potentially destructive tidal waves.