Two people are confirmed dead and the number of deaths is expected to increase from a tsunami that hit Solomon Islands Western Province this morning.

National broadcaster, SIBC reported that an elderly person and a 12 year girl have been confirmed dead.

The National Disaster Management Office says four more people are reported missing from Mono Island. They had yet to receive reports from Ranonga and Simbo, the two furthest islands in the Central Western group.

An earthquake measuring 7.6 magnitude was recorded at 7.39am local time about 45 south-southeast of Gizo, the provincial capital of the Western province.

The earthquake resulted in a mini-tsunami that hit parts of the western province and outlying islands.

Reports reaching Honiara say the coastlines of Gizo, Noro and Taro were hit by high waves and residents have moved to higher grounds for fear of a second wave of tidal waves to hit the islands.

Sketchy reports from the Western provincial capital of Gizo said the town was under water after high waves swept through the township, which is located near to the sea. Immediately, government workers were advised not to report to work.

SIBC reporter Leni Delavera who is on Gizo reported that the Roman Catholic Church on the island was split in half from the early morning earthquake.

The United States Geological Survey, National Earthquake Information Center confirmed that an earthquake occurred about 45 km south-southeast of Gizo, New Georgia Islands, Solomon Islands at 7:39am.

An emergency crew on board a helicopter will leave for the islands this afternoon to assess the extent of damage caused by the earthquake and the tsunami.

"The wave went up to the wall of the Gizo Prison, and prisoners have been evacuated to higher ground, and in Taro there is also a situation where the police have gone up in to the higher ground areas with members of the public and residents," said Peter Marshall, the officer co-ordinating the emergency team told Radio Australia.

The quake registered in excess of 7.6 on the Richter scale, and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre has issued a warning for the Solomons, Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Nauru, New Caledonia, Pohnpei, Fiji Tuvalu, Kiribati and the Marshall Islands.

In Fiji, low lying islands and people living along coastal areas have been urged to move to higher grounds, as a result of the earthquake and tsunami in Solomon Islands.

Acting police commissioner, Romanu Tikotikoca told PACNEWS that his police officers in these areas had been urging and assisting families to relocate to safe places.

"I have had numerous calls of assurances from people in the islands that they have taken heed of the warnings and moved their families and belongings, in preparation for any tidal wave." Mr Tikotikoca said. PACNEWS, 02/03/07.