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7.5-Magnitude Quake Hits Papua New Guinea

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A strong earthquake shook Papua New Guinea on Tuesday, rattling residents but causing little damage in the island nation.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the 7.5-magnitude quake struck at a depth of 42 kilometers and was centered 130 kilometers south of the town of Kokopo on the island of New Britain.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center had warned a localized tsunami wave of up to one meter was possible, but later said the threat "largely passed."

There are reports of downed power lines, which have knocked out power to some residents. But little other damage appears to have resulted from the quake, the latest to hit the region.

Last week, a 6.8-magnitude temblor struck near Kokopo. No damage was reported.

Papua New Guinea is situated along the so-called "Ring of Fire," a zone of tectonic activity around the Pacific Ocean that is subject to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

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