A major magnitude 8.0 earthquake struck off the Solomon Islands in the Pacific Ocean and a tsunami warning was issued, US officials said.

The US Geological Survey said the quake struck at 0112 GMT near the Santa Cruz Islands, which are part of the Solomon Islands nation, with a depth of 3.6 miles (5.8 kilometers).

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center warned that the large quake could trigger a "destructive tsunami" near the epicenter.