The number of confirmed deaths reported from the three islands of the central region of Western province in Solomon Islands now stands at 22 with the number expected to increase.

On April 3 National Broadcaster, SIBC's Leni Dalavera quoted Red Cross Field Officer in Gizo Rove Sipuru as saying that nine people died from Nusabaruku Island, near the provincial capital, another nine from Simbo, two from Gizo and two from Ranongga.

Mr Dalavera said many of the people were swept away by the tidal wave while others were trapped under their homes.

He said a villager of Titiana found two children under debris and it is believed many more would have been buried alive; this, however, was not officially confirmed by authorities.

He said the entire village was swept away by high seas and people moved to a hill behind the village. Villagers have been traumatised by the disaster and are frightened to return to their homes.

The Red Cross in Gizo had distributed basic necessities such as tents, cooking pots, and other food assistance to people who have been evacuated from nearby villages.

A thorough assessment would be carried by Red Cross Field officers today.

More tremors



Meanwhile, another earthquake of magnitude 6.4 on the Richter scale shook Gatokae and surrounding areas of Marovo Lagoon in the Western province. The quake occurred at about 10:20 this morning.

Reports reaching Honiara this morning from the people of Paeva village said they experienced earthquake tremors this morning. No damage has been reported.



According to the U.S. Geographical Survey Website, the quake was measured at 6.4 on the Richter scale and was positioned at 93 kilometres Southeast from Gizo.

This was the 29th earthquake to have struck the Western Province since the one that first hit the area just after 7.30 am yesterday. Pacnews