6.9 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Near Papua New Guinea

A strong earthquake struck off the southern coast of Papua New Guinea’s New Britain Island on Thursday, initially prompting tsunami warnings in the area.

The earthquake had a magnitude of 6.9, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially issued a tsunami warning for the coasts of Papua New Guinea, though the threat had passed without incident nearly two hours later.

It is unclear if the earthquake caused any damage to the island.