MELBOURNE, Australia 

An magnitude-6.9 earthquake hit near Lae, Papua New Guinea, and a tsunami alert was issued Friday, according to Radio New Zealand.

The epicenter was located in Wau village near Lae, and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a tidal wave warning for Papua New Guinea shores.

The US Geological Research Center said the quake occurred 85 kilometers (52 miles) below the surface.

Officials are yet to make a statement on casualties and property damage.

*Writing by Ali Murat Alhas

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