22 Jan 2009

Another strong quake strikes near New Caledonia's Loyalty Islands

11:37 am on 22 January 2009

An earthquake of 6.3 struck southeast of New Caledonia's Loyalty Islands early this morning.

The United States Geological Service reported the quake hit about 346 kilometres from Tadine in the Loyalty Islands and 468 kilometres from the New Caledonian capital of Noumea.

It says the quake was at a depth of 35 kilometres.

Seismologists had originally measured the quake at 5.9 magnitude quake but

revised the estimate upwards several hours later.

No immediate tsunami warning was issued.

The same area, southeast of the Loyalty Islands, or 334 kilometres from Tadine, was hit by a 6.9 quake on Monday.