Tsunami warning for South Pacific after huge earthquake

Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre issues alert for south Pacific islands after magnitude 8.0 quake undersea, which hit the Solomon Islands Wednesday. The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake struck at 0112 UTC GMT near the Santa Cruz Islands in the Solomons at a depth of about 6 kilometers. The region has been affected by tremors during the past week. Solomon Islands Police Commissioner John Lansley said local police patrols had reported that several people were presumed dead, though the reports were still being verified. Smaller waves were recorded in Vanuatu and New Caledonia. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said tsunami watches were also placed as far afield as Hawaii, and New Zealand was also on guard. But early reports said no threat to Australia was seen. According to You Doze, the waves could be destructive near the epicenter and threaten more distant coasts.