India, July 30 -- An 8.8-magnitude earthquake off the east coast of Kamchatka, Russia, has prompted the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to declare a tsunami threat for portions of the South Pacific, including Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, and Papua New Guinea.

The US embassy has urged American nationals in Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, and Papua New Guinea keep an eye on official announcements, local news and and be ready to move to higher ground.

Strong and unusual currents that could endanger people in or very close to the ocean, as well as possible dangerous coastal flooding, are all considered tsunami threats.

According to the National Weather Service, the Solomon Islands may experience waves as large as three meters.

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