Strong earthquake strikes off Papua New Guinea

SYDNEY -- A powerful earthquake struck off the South Pacific nation of Papua New Guinea on Saturday, but there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

The magnitude-7.5 earthquake was located 47 miles southwest of the town of Panguna on Bougainville Island, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. It struck late Saturday at a depth of 19 miles.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a warning for Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, but canceled it a short while later.

Earthquakes are common in Papua New Guinea. The country lies on the "Ring of Fire" - an arc of earthquake and volcanic activity that stretches around the Pacific Rim.