Two Dead, Several Missing in Choiseul, 10m Waves

GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATIONS UNIT
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
Honiara, Solomon Islands

PRESS RELEASE 02/04/07GH

Two Dead, Several Missing in Choiseul as Waves Rise 10 Meters High

By George Herming

At least two people were confirmed dead and several others missing in Sasamunga village in South Choiseul as 10 meter waves move 500 meters inland, destroying villages, food gardens and domesticated animals and a hospital.

Choiseul Premier, Jackson Kiloe confirmed from Taro Island at midday today that 10 meter high waves continue to hit the Southern part of Choiseul Island.

He said people are now rushing inland to higher ground as fear griped the entire Western and Choiseul provinces after an earth quake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale hit the Western part of Solomon Islands at 7 am this morning.

Sasamunga village has also lost its hospital in huge waves. Health centers and schools in surrounding villages were also devastated.

He said villagers from Nukiki, Zepa and Luta villages in Southern Choiseul are still searching for missing relatives since the Tsunami struck before midday today.

Mr Kiloe said his province is now in disaster and is calling on responsible government disaster authorities to contact them.

He said attempts to contact the National Disaster Management Council is very difficult and urged the government to immediately install more phone lines in that office for urgent contact purposes.

“We are now is disaster and we are calling on the government to help us at this hour of need,” Premier Kiloe said.

ENDS

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