The Pacific Tsumani Warning Centre says a tsunami threat from a huge earthquake off the Solomon Islands has now passed.
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The centre warned of hazardous tsunami waves across a wide area of the South Pacific after a magnitude 7.8 quake hit near the Solomon Islands just after 4.30 in the morning local time. (same as Australian Eastern)
Freelance journalist Dorothy Wickham in the Solomons capital Honiara says the earthquake woke her up and the aftershocks lasted for several minutes.
"Oh yes, it was very strong, a few people we called around had things falling, you know, inside their house and breaking. I thought, you know, maybe it was just something, somebody walking around was making the house shake and then I woke up and it was pretty strong, you couldn't stand up properly, it was quite strong."
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has told Sky News there are no reports of Australians being caught up in the earthquake.
"At this stage, we've not had any information of any Australian affected by it but if people are concerned they should seek to make contact with family or friends who may be in Solomon Islands or otherwise if they're unable to make contact to call our emergency hotline on 1300 555 135."
