Strong aftershocks hit Solomons

There has been a series of strong aftershocks in the Solomon Islands this morning, with the largest registering magnitude seven.

The United States Geological Survey reports a magnitude 6.8 striking at 12.12am this morning (NZDT).

It was followed by a magnitude 7.0 at 4.26am.

Both were close to the Santa Cruz group of islands, which took the brunt of the big shake earlier this week.

Siporo Rove of the National Disaster Management Office says the quakes sent locals fleeing to higher ground.

"There was a tsunami warning, but then there were no waves.

"People are currently up in the hills."

Siporo Rove there have been no reports of anyone being injured, and there has been no damage assessment yet.