Strong quake hits Papua New Guinea

SYDNEY (AFP) - A strong earthquake with a magnitude of up to 6.8 has struck the New Britain region of Papua New Guinea, sparking a tsunami warning in a region recently shaken by a violent volcanic eruption.

"Earthquakes of this size sometimes generate local tsunamis that can be destructive along coasts located within 100 kilometres (60 miles) of the earthquake epicentre," the bulletin warned.

No immediate reports of casualties or damage were received after the quake, Geoscience Australia seismologist Phil Cummins told AFP.