A powerful 7.7-magnitude quake struck off the Solomon Islands tonight, but there were no reports of any serious damage.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre initially warned of possible 'widespread, hazardous' tsunami waves and villagers rushed to higher ground.

But within three hours the warning was downgraded after the threat passed without serious incident.

A warning of 'widespread, hazardous' tsunami waves had been issued after a huge earthquake off the Solomon Islands

The 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit close to the island of Makira, also known as San Cristobal

The quake was centred about 120 miles south-east of Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands.

The epicentre, close to the island of Makira, was relatively deep at 30 miles below the surface. Deeper quakes generally cause less damage on the ground.

Electricity supplies were cut in some areas and there were reports of thatched houses collapsing.

Donald Tehimae, an officer at the Kirakira police station, said: 'Some houses have been damaged but no one was hurt.'

Tali Hong, a resident of Honiara, said: 'The earthquake was one of the biggest and longest I have ever felt. I was born here in Honiara and lived here most of my life.

'I'm located in central Honiara, in one of the big urban areas. Just checked with my neighbors and surrounding area; there is not visible damage. However, we have no electricity at the moment.'

She said there had been no tsunami sirens.

Witness Tali Hong said the Solomon Islands' capital of Honiara just felt the 'biggest earthquake'

An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 hit off the Solomon Islands at 1738 GMT on Thursday

The US Geological Survey said earlier some casualties and damage were possible from the quake, warning waves reaching 1-3 metres above tide level could occur along parts of the Solomons.

It had also warned some coasts in Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Nauru, New Caledonia, Tuvalu and Kosrae, as well as Hawaii, were at risk, before saying the threat had passed.

The Solomon Islands are often rocked by powerful earthquakes and are part of the Pacific 'Ring of Fire', a zone of tectonic activity known for frequent quakes and volcanic eruptions.

It is one of the most seismically active parts of the world.

Minutes after the major quake, another - magnitude 5.5 - hit in the same area.

In 2013, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 8.0 struck the Solomons, generating a tsunami up to 1.5 metres (5ft) high that damaged dozens of homes and left at least nine people dead.