Tsunami threat as residents flee to hills after earthquake off Papua New Guinea

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said there was a threat of a tsunami in Papua New Guinea and nearby areas Photo: PA

Independent.ie Newsdesk

People living along Papua New Guinea's coastline fled to higher ground on Saturday after a 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck east of the Pacific nation, triggering a tsunami warning for parts of its archipelago.

A couple of hours after the quake, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) said the threat had largely passed, although it said government agencies should continue to monitor coastal tides.