19 Jul 2010

No fears of tsunami after two quakes hit PNG

7:52 am on 19 July 2010

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre now says there is no indication of any waves following two big earthquakes that hit Papua New Guinea.

Earlier warnings had spoken of possible sea disturbances.

Neighbouring Indonesia has also lifted a tsunami warning.

Indonesia's quake agency issued the warning after the second quake, of magnitude 7.1, hit the province of East New Britain at a depth of 26 kilometres.

The first, deeper earthquake, measured by the U.S. Geological Service at magnitude 7.3, struck 117 kilometres east of Kandrian on New Britain island in Papua New Guinea.

PNG Emergency Services say the quakes were felt in the port town of Kimbe on New Britain.

No damage has been reported so far, although emergency services in Port Moresby said they would have a better idea of the impact later in the morning.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre says it would not be surprising if the quakes caused damage as they were strong centred so close to land.