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Tsunami Damage, Solomon Islands, April 1, 2007 |
| An earthquake measuring 8.1 struck 345km northwest of the Solomon Islands' capital Honiara at 0740 local time on 2 April. (2040 GMT 1 April). The earthquake created a tsunami causing significant damage in the Solomon Islands. Large tsunami waves (reports range from 2m to 10m) are reported to have struck the islands in the Western Province area of Solomon Islands and some parts of Papua New Guinea. The National Disaster Council (NDC) in the Solomon Islands reports that the affected area includes Gizo, Simbo, Ranogga, Shortlands, Munda, Noro, Vella la Vella, Kolombangarra and parts of the southern coast of Choiseul. Aerial surveillance on 2 April showed that the worst-affected areas appear to be the southern coast of Gizo, Simbo island and the central southern coast of Choiseul between Moli and Posarae and Sasamunga. At least 34 were killed and several dozen missing. 5,500 people are thought to have been displaced in total. The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) estimates that up to 50,000 people may be affected out of a total population of 100,000 in Western and Choiseul provinces. |
Tsunami Damage at Kelau | |
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More houses at Kelau that were collapsed by the tsunami. Note that the mark on the palm tree on the left is NOT indicative of tsunami wave height, but is normal. Note that the roofs of the houses are largely intact. Collapse was almost certainly brought about by wave erosion of sand around the house stumps weakening the house structure. Photos Provided By: Dilex Sebom, Woodlark Mining Limited. |
Tsunami Damage at Kelau | |
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Kelau villager standing in front of his collapsed house. Note the mark on the stumps of the house on the left of the picture - this indicates how much sand was removed by the tsunami waves from where the stumps were sunk in originally about 40cm - it is NOT a mark of the wave height. Note that the roof of the collapsed house is intact - house collapse was almost certainly due to erosion of the sand foundations by wave action. Photos Provided By: Dilex Sebom, Woodlark Mining Limited. |
Tsunami Damage at Kelau | |
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Kelau village, taken from just along the bay. The camera (a cheap Olympus digital) was on zoom, so the village is actually a lot farther away than it looks. Collapsed houses can be clearly seen, but apart from that a casual glance would not identify this as a scene where a tsunami had recently gone through. Photos Provided By: Dilex Sebom, Woodlark Mining Limited. |
Tsunami Damage at Unumatana | |
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Grave at Unumatana disturbed by Tsunami. Coffin is exposed. Photos Provided By: John Beba, Woodlark Mining Limited. |
Tsunami Damage at Kelau | |
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Large chunk of coral rock thrown up on the beach by the tsunami. Compare the coconut palm stump in the background for size. Photos Provided By: John Beba, Woodlark Mining Limited. |
Tsunami Damage at Unumatana | |
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Example of house completely destroyed by the tsunami at Unumatana. Photos Provided By: John Beba, Woodlark Mining Limited. |
Tsunami Damage at Unumatana | |
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Canoe thrown into the bush and damaged by the tsunami at Unumatana. Photos Provided By: John Beba, Woodlark Mining Limited. |
Tsunami Damage at Unumatana | |
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Canoe smashed against a tree and destroyed by the tsunami at Unumatana. Photos Provided By: John Beba, Woodlark Mining Limited. |