The Solomon Islands tsunami has reportedly claimed up to five lives in neighbouring Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Radio Australia reports that a family of five is missing after a three-metre wave struck their small island in Milne Bay province after Monday's earthquake in the Solomons.

Local police say the family was swept out to sea, and that village huts were flattened. The incident happened before a tsunami warning was issued.

The alert led to widespread panic along PNG's east coast, as residents rushed to higher ground. A large number of school children are reported to have become lost during what has been described as tsunami frenzy.

The authorities have admitted that disaster awareness had not been taught in schools. Pacnews