Dead Toll Reaches 12 in Solomon Islands Tsunami

PRESS RELEASE 02/04/07GH

Dead Toll Reaches 12 in Solomon Islands Tsunami

Six more people including two children were confirmed dead at Gizo, making the death toll reaching 12 in the Tsunami that crashed the Western Solomons today.

A hospital worker in Gizo said late this afternoon six more bodies were found floating in seas near Malakera villages near Gizo town.

Ian Maneatu Laska said from Gizo by phone the latest casualties were caused by huge waves that hit the villages.

Mr Laska said the Gizo hospital was closed today in light of the destruction.

He said many people on Gizo and other surrounding islands continue to seek refuge on higher grounds.

“There are still missing people whose bodies a seen floating at sea this afternoon.

“Local rescue groups were unable to retrieve them as huge waves prevented rescue efforts,” Mr Laska said.

He waters are receding back in the ocean after causing severe damages to Gizo town and other surrounding island villages.

“Shops and other businesses were completely destroyed as people as still living at hilltops,”

“Water is slowly reducing but people are still griped with fear at the moment,” he said.

He said most of the victims were trapped in their homes when waves crashed into the township this morning.

Mr Laska compared the crashing waves more so powerful than flooding rivers.

The entire Gizo Island and other surrounding Islands were covered with water.

ENDS

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