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
Tsunami Slams Solomon Islands
Early reports put the magnitude of the quake lower   (Associated Press)

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. (More Australia stories.)

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