Strong earthquake strikes off Papua New Guinea

SYDNEY—The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center says there was no tsunami alert issued after a strong earthquake struck off the coast of Papua New Guinea on Monday.

The US Geological Survey says the magnitude-6.5 quake struck 76 miles (122 kilometers) west of Arawa, the capital of Bougainville province, at a depth of 27 miles (43 kilometers). There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center says there was no threat of a destructive, widespread tsunami and that sea-level gauges in the region showed no unusual wave activity.

Bill Yomba, an official with Papua New Guinea’s National Disaster Center, says there were no reports of any tsunamis striking the coast or of any injuries or damage.