02/08/2013 16:00 GMT

HONIARA, Feb 9, 2013 (AFP) - A 7.0-magnitude earthquake hit off the Solomon Islands early Saturday, the latest massive aftershock following a 8.0-magnitude quake which sparked a tsunami three days ago, US seismologists said.

The US Geological Survey said the quake struck at 2:26 am (1526 GMT Friday) near the Santa Cruz Islands, which are part of the Solomons, at a depth of 26 kilometres (16 miles). The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said there was no danger of a widespread destructive tsunami.

ia/mtp