A powerful undersea earthquake unleashed a tsunami that pounded into the western Solomon Islands, reportedly killing at least 15 people.
Updated at 2.40 pm
HONIARA: A powerful undersea earthquake unleashed a tsunami that pounded into the western Solomon Islands early on Monday, destroying entire villages and reportedly killing at least 15 people, officials said.
The wall of water triggered by the 8.0-magnitude quake, which witnesses said was up to five metres (16.5 feet) high, swamped towns, flattened homes, and sparked panic among residents of the impoverished South Pacific state.
Communications to the quake-hit area were patchy, making it difficult to assess the number of dead and injured and the damage, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare told CNN.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre issued a regionwide warning immediately after the quake, stretching as far away as Japan, but later cancelled it.
At least 15 people were killed in and around Gizo, the main town in Western Province and a popular tourist and diving spot 40 kilometres from the quake's epicentre, the provincial leader said.
"Reports have come in that more than 15 people died, just around Gizo, but with the other islands I cannot tell you," premier Alex Lokopio told Radio New Zealand.
The central government reported 12 deaths and the police at least four, but Sogavare warned the death toll would likely rise once rescue teams reached the area.
"Most of the islands are low-lying, and the extent of the damage is yet to be known," the prime minister said, adding that a team from his office, the Red Cross and the police were headed to the area.
"It's a very trying time for us."
yet to be known," he said, adding that a team from his office, the Red Cross and police were headed to the zone.
Earlier, chief government spokesman Alfred Maesulia said the 8.0-magnitude quake, and the tsunami which followed, had caused millions of dollars in damage around Gizo.
"In some coastal villages, waves of up to 10 metres (33 feet) high swept those villages and destroyed houses and properties," Maesulia told CNN.
Earlier police spokesman Mick Spinks said unconfirmed reports indicated at least four people were dead.
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