The US Geological Survey (USGS) said the earthquake hit at 3:16pm (0946 IST) at a depth of 81 kilometres and centred 171 kilometres southeast of the capital Honiara.
Residents on the mainland said they felt a sharp jolt but emergency services said there was no immediate evidence of damage although reports were still being sought from outlying islands.
The Solomons lie in the "Pacific ring of fire", a highly active earthquake zone, and regularly experiences strong tremors.
(Published 23 April 2011, 05:55 IST)
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