[Benjamin]

An earthquake of magnitude 7.6 has hit near the Solomon Islands, with a tsunami warning issued for surrounding areas in the Pacific Ocean.

The undersea quake was registered at a depth of 29km (18 miles), 100km (60 miles) south-east of Kira Kira.

A tsunami warning for the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia has been issued.

The Solomon islands suffered severe flash floods just over a week ago in which at least 16 people died.

Thousands more had to abandon their homes.

So far there have been no reports of damage following the earthquake, which struck at 07:14 on Sunday (21:14 GMT Saturday).

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-27006985