Aftershock Earthquakes Hit Southeast of Gizo

Two earthquakes with magnitudes of 6.8 and 6.9 struck only seconds apart from each other approximately 70 mi/115 km southeast of Gizo in the Solomon Islands on 5 January 2010 at approximately 1215 GMT. According to authorities with the U.S. Geological Survey, the quakes, which hit at a depth of 21 mi/35 km and 42 mi/70 km respectively, did not immediately show signs of generating tsunamis that would threaten Pacific coastlines. Officials stated that sea level readings indicated that a local tsunami was generated; however, it is unknown what its effects were. These two most recent quakes are considered aftershocks of the 7.2 quake that struck the same region on 4 January and triggered a 10-ft/3-m tsunami. After surveying the damage officials scaled back their estimate of the number of homes destroyed to 200 from the initial estimate of 500. There have been no reports of serious injuries or deaths related to any of the above-mentioned earthquakes. Relief supplies are currently being delivered to the affected areas. Large aftershocks such as those that occurred on 5 January are common after a strong earthquake, and are likely to continue for months.