Strong quake off New Caledonia

A magnitude-7.3 quake has struck east of Australia near New Caledonia, the US Geological Survey says.

It was centred about 68 kilometres northeast of Tadine in what are known as the Loyalty Islands.

It was 25 kilometres deep.

The Pacific Tsunami Centre said hazardous waves were possible within 300km of the area.

It's not yet known how strongly the quake was felt in New Caledonian and surrounding islands or whether there has been any damage.

There has been a cluster of quakes in the area between magitude 6.4 and 7 in the past 24 hours.