Massive earthquake hits Papua New Guinea

By Sorwar Alam

ANKARA (AA) - A 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck the Pacific Island nation of Papua New Guinea on Sunday.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake hit about 89 kilometers (55 miles) southwest of Poregera.

The earthquake, which occurred at 1744GMT, had a depth of 35 kilometres (22 miles), it added.

So far, no loss of life or property has been reported.

Despite the magnitude of the earthquake, "a destructive Pacific-wide tsunami is not expected, and there is no threat to Hawaii," the U.S. Pacific Tsunami Alarm Center (PTWC) said in a statement.