Magnitude 7.0 earthquake strikes off New Caledonia's Loyalty Islands

A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck 68 kilometers (42 miles) east-northeast of Tadine in New Caledonia's Loyalty Islands on Friday, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).

The quake occurred at 8.23 am local time (2123GMT Friday) at a depth of approximately 17.1 kilometers.

The US National Tsunami Warning Center said there was no tsunami warning, advisory, watch or threat in effect following the quake.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage.