Quake occurs in Papua New Guinea, local tsunami possible

SYDNEY (AP) — A 7.1-magnitude earthquake has been recorded in Papua New Guinea, and a local tsunami is possible.

The U.S. Geological Survey says the quake Friday evening was centered in the province of East New Britain, about 110 kilometers (70 miles) from the provincial capital, Kokopo.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said hazardous tsunami waves were possible within 300 kilometers (186 miles) of the epicenter. It also said the epicenter was 61 kilometers (38 miles) deep. Shallower quakes typically have more damage potential.

Papua New Guinea sits on the Ring of Fire, the arc of seismic faults around the Pacific Ocean where earthquakes are common.