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Tsunami Slams Solomon Islands

Island of Gizo said to be "entirely washed away and people are floating in the sea"

By Colleen Barry, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 2, 2007 7:01 AM CDT

(Newser) – A tsunami hit the Solomon Islands early Monday morning, killing at least 12 and stranding thousands more. The 8.1 quake brought huge waves nearly a mile inland in some places. "I'm driving down the street -- there are boats in the middle of the road, buildings have completely collapsed and fallen down," said dive shop owner Danny Kennedy.

Devastation is worst on the western island of Gizo. Robert Iroga, editor of the local newspaper, said that unconfirmed reports "suggest that the island was entirely washed away and people are floating in the sea." The Solomons have been a popular vacation spot for New Zealanders and Australians, and locals are hoping those governments will come through with aid.

Early reports put the magnitude of the quake lower (Associated Press)

Solomon Islands (Archive Photos)

SOLOMON ISLANDS. 1961. Group of islanders who rescued JFK when the PT109 patrol boat he skippered in World War II sank after a collision with a Japanese ship on August 1, 1943. (NYC22785) (Magnum Photos)

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Tsunami Slams Solomon Islands

Island of Gizo said to be "entirely washed away and people are floating in the sea"

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Rain of Fish Hits Aussie Desert Town

Lajamanu is 326 miles from nearest river

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Warnings lifted as waves smaller than feared; no damage reported

South Pacific Avoids Tsunami After Big Earthquakes

Warning issued after off Vanuatu, canceled after only small wave materializes

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Samoa tsunami cleanup effort begins in earnest

Post-Quake Tsunami Kills 34 in Samoa

8.3-magnitude temblor rattles American Samoa

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Tsunami Slams Solomon Islands

Island of Gizo said to be "entirely washed away and people are floating in the sea"

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

It's Science!

weather • Australia • Solomon Islands • South Pacific • tsunami • Gizo

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Rain of Fish Hits Aussie Desert Town

Lajamanu is 326 miles from nearest river

Tsunami Glances Off Japan, Russia

Warnings lifted as waves smaller than feared; no damage reported

South Pacific Avoids Tsunami After Big Earthquakes

Warning issued after off Vanuatu, canceled after only small wave materializes

Indonesia Quake Toll Passes 1,000

Samoa tsunami cleanup effort begins in earnest

Post-Quake Tsunami Kills 34 in Samoa

8.3-magnitude temblor rattles American Samoa

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

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More News

What is Newser?