The powerful 7.1 earthquake quake Papua New Guinea

An earthquake of up to 7.1 richter rocked the Pacific nation of Papua New Guinea, but no tsunami warning was issued.

The epic earthquake is located 89km from Lae, Papua New Guinea's second largest city, and below 121km, the US Geological Survey said.

'This is a very, very big earthquake,' said a Lae hotel receptionist.

There is no information about major damage after the earthquake. Geologists say the tremor does not seem to cause tsunamis, because it is located deep underground and inland.

'The earthquake lasts 2-3 minutes. The whole building shook. Christmas trees wobble. We also wobble , 'the hotel receptionist added. 'There is no information about damage and casualties, but our managers are checking.'

People in Wau town, about 20km from the epicenter, said buildings and the ground shook, but there was no major damage.

Papua New Guinea is located in the 'Pacific Ring of Fire' , a region with strong geological activity.