7th February, 2013
At least five people were killed and two towns wiped out when a 1.5 metre high tsunami hit the Solomon Islands’ province of Temotu following an 8.0 magnitude earthquake under the South Pacific.
World Vision Australia says that while the government has confirmed five deaths, there had been unconfirmed reports that people and fishing boats had been swept out to sea. The area has been rocked by aftershocks and the waves from the tsunami reached as far away as Japan.
In the town of Venga houses were shifted up to 10 metres by the sea surge with 90 per cent of them damaged while in another town, Nela, 95 per cent of homes were washed away. The towns have a combined population of almost 1,000 people.
Most of the population of the Lata, the main town on the island of Ndende, has been relocated to higher ground with reports the water remains knee-deep in some areas.
“I am currently walking through one community (in Lata), and I’m knee-deep in water,” said Jeremiah Tabua, World Vision’s emergency response coordinator in the Solomon Islands. "I can see a number of houses that have been swept away by the surge."
To donate to World Vision Australia’s Emergency Preparedness Fund call 13 32 40 or go to www.worldvision.com.au
– DAVID ADAMS
