Solomon Islands
© TORSTEN BLACKWOOD/AFP/Getty ImagesHoniara is the capital of the Solomon Islands

The region has been struck by a number of earthquakes in recent years

A magnitude 6 earthquake has struck 89km west of Honiara on the Solomon Islands, the US Geographical Survey has said.

The quake had a depth of 10km, which is considered shallow.

It struck at approximately 18:00 local time or 07:30 UK time.

Honiara is the capital of the Solomon Islands.

There have been no reports of injuries or serious damage and no immediate tsunami warning has been issued.

The US Geographical Society has issued a green alert, saying "there is a low likelihood of casualties and damage". They warned that some secondary effects or further damage may be possible as "recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides that might have contributed to losses."

The area is prone to serious earthquakes. In 2013 a magnitude 8 earthquake struck, causing a tsunami. At least nine people died and 17 others were seriously injured. A number of bodies were not recovered. Significant structural damage to the buildings and roads also occurred.

In February of this year a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Papua New Guinea, close to the Solomon Islands.