More strong quakes strike off South Pacific islands

Singapore - A series of strong earthquakes struck off the neighbouring South Pacific Ocean states of Samoa and Tonga on Monday, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said, just hours after a major tremor rattled Papua New Guinea to the west.

A number of 6.8 magnitude quakes struck southwest of the Samoan capital Apia, in waters between the two island states of Tonga and Samoa.

Residents in Samoa told Reuters there were no reports of damage and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said there was no tsunami threat.