Disclosure of emergency situation due to tsunami

Yesterday, the Solomon Islands in the southern Pacific region declared a state of emergency, after the tsunami swept away many villages in the west. So far, the loss of life and material here has not been sufficiently statistics.

The magnitude 8 earthquake on the sea floor caused waves of up to 10 meters in Solomon. The second largest city of Gizo in this island nation is only 45 km from the epicenter and is one of the places most affected.

According to initial statistics, 15 people were killed, 900 houses destroyed and more than 5,000 people affected by the tsunami in Solomon. But local authorities warn the number of casualties will increase. Solomon Manaseh Sogavare also said that the bodies would be found when the damage assessment team began working.

The earthquake epicenter caused tsunamis.(Graphic: CNN)

Arnold Pidakere, a teacher at an elementary school in Gizo, said: "We sell and sell our lives off the waves. When we look back, we see houses being destroyed. Some houses are located on the hillsides also. damaged by earthquakes and tsunamis ".

Also according to the witness, local people are desperately in need of relief for food and water because all the freshwater tanks in the area have been destroyed.

President of Solomon National Disaster Council Fred Fakari expressed: "We understand that many villages in different areas of Western and Choiseul provinces have been completely washed away into the sea."

The helicopters yesterday also began carrying out many flights of food and tents for about 4,000 people who spent the night outdoors on hills. They do not have a home to return to or do not dare to return due to fear of many aftershocks.

The Australian Government is committed to providing financial emergency assistance to Solomon and is ready to take part in a helicopter relief operation. The island nation has only about 500,000 inhabitants and most of them live in scattered islands. Their popular houses are made of bamboo and palm that gathers on the beach.

Tsunami warnings were also broadcast across the Pacific, fearing to repeat the tragedy like in the Indian Ocean on December 26, 2004, killing hundreds of thousands of people in many countries. Beaches in eastern Australia are temporarily closed and people rush away from the sea. However a few hours later the tsunami warning was canceled.

A church was damaged by earthquakes and tsunamis in the city of Gizo. (Photo: Reuters)

The east coast of Australia quickly banned people
Sea after tsunami news in Solomon (Photo: Reuters)

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