6.8 magnitude earthquake hits Papua New Guinea: USGS

A 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit Papua New Guinea in the early hours today, according to the US Geological Survey, after a 7.2 quake struck off the country's northeast coast just hours before.

The 6.8 quake occurred near the town of Kandrian, on the island of New Britain, at 6:30 am (0200 IST ).

It hit 30 kilometres northeast of the town, at a depth of 62 kilometres.

Two hours before, a 7.2 magnitude quake struck off the coast of the island of New Ireland.

No tsunami warning was issued.