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Tsunami strikes Solomon Islands

02 April 2007 17:32 (UTC +04:00)

The quake measured 8.1 hit in the south-east of Ghizo Island which is a part of Solomon Islands at 07. 39 local time. The epicenter of the quakes was at a depth of 10km (six miles) of Pacific Ocean, APA reports. The main town in the western Solomons, Gizo, was hit by waves several meters high that swamped buildings and washed people out to sea. According to Solomon officials, at least 25-30 thousand people suffered from the accident. Ghizo and Niro were swept by water and communication is cut off. The height of the tsunami waves in Shuazel Island were 10 meters high. Huge waves moved up 500 meters from ashore to land with two villages staying under waters. First reports say tsunami killed 15 people. Indonesia, New Guinea and Australia are warned of possible tsunami strikes.
The Solomon Islands is situated on the south- west of Pacific Ocean with 480 thousand inhabitants. Former Great Britain colony Solomon Islands gained its sovereignty in 1978. / APA/