Papua New Guinea hit by second earthquake

A tsunami warning was issued along the coast of the quake's epicentre

A tsunami warning was issued along the coast within 300km of the quake’s epicentre but has since been lifted (AFP)

A second 7.1 magnitude earthquake has struck off the coast of Papua New Guinea.

A tsunami warning was issued along the coast within 300km of the quake’s epicentre but has since been lifted. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center had said dangerous tsunami waves were possible within 300 kilometres (186 miles) of the epicenter.

The quake struck on Friday, 128 km south-south-west of Rabaul, at a depth of 61 km, the United States Geological Survey reported.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage to homes in the region.

Rabaul, a town on East New Britain Island, lies in the shadow of Mount Tavurvur, an active volcano. Rabaul was destroyed in 1994 during a severe eruption. The area was struck by a 6.9 quake on Thursday.

Additional reporting by agencies