Washington (ANTARA News/Reuters) - A 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck off the New Caledonia islands in the southern Pacific, the U.S. Geological Survey said on Thursday.

The quake, which struck at 3:16 a.m. on Friday (1615 GMT on Thursday), was very shallow at 4.5 miles (7.2 km) and was located in the water, 77 miles (124 km) northeast of Tadine in the Loyalty Islands.

The Pacific Tsunami warning Center said the quake had not triggered a widespread tsunami but could cause a local one. (*)

Editor: Kunto Wibisono
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