Death toll is expected to rise in Solomon Islands that were hit by a Tsunami of 5 feet triggered by a strong earthquake off the Islands on Wednesday. Five people have already been reported killed by the waves that also damaged dozens of homes in South Pacific island chain. Solomon officials cited two 4 foot, 11-inch waves hit the western side of Santa Cruz Island, damaging between 70 and 80 homes and properties.
The tsunami came into affect after an 8.0 magnitude earthquake occurred near the town of Lata, on Santa Cruz in Temotu province, the easternmost province of the Solomons. Temotu has a population of around 30,000 people. The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake struck the Santa Cruz Islands at a depth of 28.7 kilometers and some 20 aftershocks were recorded, including one at 6.6 magnitude.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center canceled its regional alert for Pacific-island nations about two and a half hours after the powerful quake struck near the Santa Cruz Islands in the Solomons. These islands have been rocked by a series of strong tremors over the past week.
Photograph by Telemal
