Earthquake Strikes Off Solomon Islands Coastline

A 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of the Solomon Islands on 3 January 2010. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake, which hit at approximately 0935 local time (2235 GMT on 2 January) at a depth of 18.6 mi/30 km below the seabed, was centered approximately 64 mi/103 km southeast of Gizo. The strong tremor was preceded by another, shallower 6.5 magnitude earthquake, nearly two hours earlier; the first earthquake was centered approximately 54 mi/90 km southeast of Gizo and at a depth of 6 mi/10 km. Although initial reports did not indicate that a tsunami had been triggered, later reports stated that a 6-10 ft/2-3 m tsunami inundated Rendova Village, which is located approximately 188 mi/300 km away from Honiara, the capital. Rendova, which has a population of approximately 3,600, saw dozens of houses destroyed or damaged by the quake and the subsequent tsunami. Landslides were also reported in the area. Authorities had to evacuate approximately 10 foreign tourists from the remote Tetepare Island, which is an eco-tourism hot spot. Currently local officials are surveying the damage and undertaking relief efforts. EUROPE