6.8-magnitude earthquake hits Papua New Guinea, no tsunami warning

RABAUL , Papua New Guinea, Oct. 12 (UPI) -- A 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck New Britain island off the coast of mainland Papua New Guinea Wednesday.

The Pacific island nation, north of Australia, is a common site for earthquakes. Wednesday's quake was not followed by a tsunami warning, and no reports of injuries or damage were immediately available. The earthquake was centered near the township of Rabaul, on the north side of the island.

The United States Geological Survey reported the earthquake struck at a depth of 13 miles.