World Bulletin / News Desk

An earthquake of magnitude 6.9 struck off Papua New Guinea on Thursday, 154 km south of Rabaul, at a depth of 85 km (53 miles), the United States Geological Survey reported.

There were no immediate reports of damages or casualties.

Rabaul, a town on East New Britain Island, lies in the shadow of Mount Tavurvur, an active volcano. Rabaul was destroyed in 1994 during a severe eruption.