SYDNEY (AP) -- A tsunami alert has been issued after a strong earthquake in the South Pacific.
The U.S. Geological Survey says the 8.0-magnitude quake struck Wednesday 81 kilometers (50 miles) west of Lata, in the Solomon Islands, at a depth of 5.8 kilometers (3.6 miles.)
The centre did not say how big the tsunami was, but it gave arrival times from a few minutes to several hours to island nations around the South Pacific.
"When no major waves are observed for two hours after the estimated time of arrival or damaging waves have not occurred for at least two hours then local authorities can assume the threat is passed," the Hawaii-based centre said.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center says the tsunami warning is in effect for the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu, New Caledonia, Kosrae, Fiji, Kiribati, Wallis and Futuna.
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED), which considers itself the definitive record of acceptable English words, has just formalized its status as a legitimate noun and verb in relation to social media site Twitter.
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED), which considers itself the definitive record of acceptable English words, has just formalized its status as a legitimate noun and verb in relation to social media site Twitter.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 8:34 PM EDT2013-06-19 00:34:05 GMT
Plastic grocery bags would become a thing of the past in Los Angeles under an ordinance tentatively approved today by the City Council, which will cast a final vote next week.
Plastic grocery bags would become a thing of the past in Los Angeles under an ordinance tentatively approved today by the City Council, which will cast a final vote next week that would make the city the largest in the nation to enact such a ban.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 8:16 PM EDT2013-06-19 00:16:45 GMT
There are new photos of 4 suspects wanted in the severe beating of a transgender woman, and a new $25,000 reward for their arrest. The LAPD has released security video of the attack. You can see the
There are new photos of 4 suspects wanted in the severe beating of a transgender woman, and a new $25,000 reward for their arrest. The LAPD has released security video of the attack. You can see the transgender woman walking on a sidewalk along Hollywood Boulevard near Ivar early in the morning, nearly three weeks ago.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 7:38 PM EDT2013-06-18 23:38:54 GMT
By all accounts, Ramon and Janet Barreto are an odd couple, both physically and mentally, and you need to know what they look like to be on the lookout for them.
By all accounts, Ramon and Janet Barreto are an odd couple, both physically and mentally. The physical part only matters here because we are talking about a couple on the run, fugitives and you need to know what they look like to be on the lookout for them.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:19 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:19:32 GMT
The Splash! La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center have joined aquatic facilities around the world to break the world record for The World's Largest Swimming Lesson on Tuesday.
The Splash! La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center have joined aquatic facilities around the world to break the world record for The World's Largest Swimming Lesson on Tuesday.
A Southern California surfer who was shot at by Torrance police during the manhunt for rogue ex-cop Christopher Dorner has filed a lawsuit against the Los Angeles suburb and its police department.
A Southern California surfer who was shot at by Torrance police during the manhunt for rogue ex-cop Christopher Dorner has filed a lawsuit against the Los Angeles suburb and its police department.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 10:34 AM EDT2013-06-18 14:34:39 GMT
Walter Lee Williams, a former California professor is wanted for the alleged sexual exploitation of children and traveling abroad to engage in illicit sex acts with children.
Walter Lee Williams, a former California professor is wanted for the alleged sexual exploitation of children and traveling abroad to engage in illicit sex acts with children.
A 15-year-old girl got a lesson in intolerance from a TSA agent after he said something about her attire at the screening gates. The TSA is investigating the situation.
A 15-year-old girl got a lesson in intolerance from a TSA agent after he said something about her attire at the screening gates. The TSA is investigating the situation.
A Southern California man wanted for sexually exploiting children abroad has been announced as the 500th addition to the FBI's Most Wanted list, and there's a big price on his head.
A Southern California man wanted for sexually exploiting children abroad has been announced as the 500th addition to the FBI's Most Wanted list, and there's a big price on his head.