Image showing epicentre of Solomon Islands earthquake. Photo: USGS

A strong undersea earthquake has struck off the coast near the Solomon Islands, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

The bureau initially reported that an earthquake of 7.1 had occurred at 5.31am ADET, which would be classified as a major earthquake, but the intensity was later reported as 6.8, which is considered strong.

The quake struck 119 kilometres south west of Dadali, in the Solomon Islands, and 176 kilometres north west of the capital, Honiara.

Some "light" shaking was expected on the Solomon Islands, according to the United States Geological Survey's Earthquake Hazards Program. 

Advertisement

There was no tsunami threat to Australia, the Bureau of Meteorology said.

Follow FairfaxForeign on Twitter

Follow FairfaxForeign on Facebook