Tsunami warning issued in Papua New Guinea after 7.9 magnitude earthquake
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A 7.9-magnitude earthquake struck in the ocean off the coast of the Pacific island nation of Papua New Guinea Saturday evening in local time. Residents fled to higher ground as a tsunami warning was issued for coastal areas as well as other inhabited islands nearby, including New Zealand.
Tsunami warnings after magnitude 7.9 earthquake hits east of Papua New Guinea: USGShttps://t.co/FY2wxMXSfA pic.twitter.com/BZ9e3CYmPz
— The Straits Times (@STcom) December 17, 2016
Several hours later, the warning was relaxed, though officials still urged caution. Papua New Guinea sits on the Pacific's "Ring of Fire" and experiences frequent seismic activity.