The US Geological Survey (USGS) announced that an earthquake with a depth of 15 kilometers and a magnitude of 7.0 occurred at around 13:00 local time in the Malango region of the Solomon Islands. The disaster was followed by at least three aftershocks, the largest of which was 6.0 magnitude. It was recorded that the earthquake was felt for 20 seconds in the capital Honiara. No injuries or deaths were reported after the incident.
It was stated that shopping malls, the Australian Embassy and Honiara International Airport were damaged in the earthquake.
The public was advised to stay in high places in case of a tsunami disaster. However, in a further statement by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, it was said that the tsunami risk greatly decreased.