17 Apr 2013

Strong quake hits PNG

9:50 pm on 17 April 2013

A strong earthquake has struck Papua New Guinea's northern coast, causing residents who feared a tsunami to seek higher ground.

The quake, which the United States Geological Survey says was of 6.8 magnitude, reportedly lasted for three minutes on Wednesday, the BBC reports.

It struck about 8:55am (local time), with an epicentre 19km, east of the coastal town of Aitape.

No tsunami warning has been issued and there were also no reports of serious damage or injuries.

Aitape was devastated in 1998 when a huge quake triggered a tsunami that left more than 2000 people dead.