WELLINGTON, DEC 10: An earthquake struck the Solomon Islands two days in a row, the most recent being a 6.9 magnitude tremor.
A tsunami alert was issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre for a few islands in the Pacific Ocean but was cancelled several hours after the quake.
The 6:10 am local time (1910 GMT Friday) quake was centred at 90 kilometres west of Kirakira at a depth of 10 km, according to the United States Geological Survey Agency.
Hundreds of residential houses in rural areas of the Solomon Islands suffered damage or were destroyed after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake.
International news agency AFP reported that there were no deaths with a small tsunami reported landing at the island as well as several other Pacific islands.
Humanitarian aid organisation, World Vision’s Pacific Timor-Leste spokesperson Suzy Sainovski, who was at the capital Honiara, said that there was difficulty getting the real situation of the earthquake impact because residents lived in rural areas with some areas having no communication.
“There were several early reports indicating that at least 3,000 residents were affected,” she said.
The quake happened near Makira Island.
Sainovski said a hospital, church and several other buildings, including the World Vision office in Kirakira town on the island were reported to be damaged.
Micha Maghe, World Vision health and sanitation project supervisor said the quake was frightening.
“When I ran out, I heard children crying and people screaming.
“We all gathered at a school and I saw people running to find high ground. They were in a state of panic and fear,” he said.
Earthquake at the Solomons affect hundreds
