A powerful magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck off the Solomon Islands on Sunday (local time), the U.S. Geological Survey reported. The Japan Meteorological Agency said the quake measured 7.3.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reported that a tsunami was generated.

"It may have been destructive along coasts near the earthquake epicenter," officials said. "For those areas - when no major waves are observed for two hours after the estimated time of arrival or damaging waves have not occurred for at least two hours - then local authorities can assume the threat is passed.

"Danger to boats and coastal structures can continue for several hours due to the continuing sea level changes and rapid currents," they said. "As local conditions can cause a wide variation in tsunami wave action, the all-clear determination must be made by local authorities."

The quake, which hit at 12:05 p.m. (9:05 p.m. EDT Saturday), was centered about 60 miles from the town of Lata on the Santa Cruz Islands, located about 250 miles from the Solomon Islands chain.

It was followed by two aftershocks, one a magnitude 5.4, the other a magnitude 4.8, the USGS said.

The 6.9 temblor was the second quake to strike almost the exact same area within the last several days. A 5.1-magnitude hit Thursday 45 miles from Lata, according to the USGS.

An 8.1 earthquake that triggered a tsunami caused extensive damage in April in the Solomon Islands. The quake and tsunami killed at least 52 people, left thousands homeless and caused extensive damage.

The Solomons are in the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, an area subject to frequent seismic activity.

The USGS said there were no immediate reports of damage from the latest quake.

Related Links:

• http://earthquake.usgs.gov: U.S. Geological Survey Worldwide Earthquake List