Massive earthquake strikes off Australian coast

The huge 6.9 magnitude quake struck 96 miles from the town of Kokopowhich. It is home to about 20,000 people. Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) boffins issued a warning and forecast hazardous waves from the coast. A PTWC spokesman said: 'Government agencies responsible for threatened coastal areas should take action to inform and instruct any coastal populations at risk. 'Persons located in threatened coastal areas should stay alert for information.'