Earthquake Near Solomon Islands Generates deadly Tsunami

Homes, hospitals, schools and large sections of land were evacuated as panic gripped parts of Australia's east coast and residents headed for higher ground.

Earthquake's epicenter was a regional center named Gizo Image courtesy: NOAA

(HONORIA) - A massive undersea earthquake Monday in the South Pacific Ocean sent a tsunami several yards high, crashing into the Solomon Islands.

Homes, hospitals, schools and large sections of land in the affected areas were evacuated as panic gripped residents who wisely headed for higher ground.

The China Daily Press reports local police and residents talking about a huge wave that struck the western town of Gizo. Buildings were inundated and widespread destruction was reported.

Gizo, a regional center, is just 25 miles from the earthquake's epicenter.

A man representing the Gizo police station said there were initial reports that eight people, six of them children, had been killed by the tsunami but they were still unconfirmed. The phone cut out abruptly before the man gave his name.

At least four more people are reported missing.

The US Geological Survey said the quake measured magnitude-8.0 and struck at 7:39 am about 6 miles beneath the sea floor, 217 miles northwest of the capital, Honiara.

The Pacific region from Australia to Hawaii was on high alert for several hours after the earthquake struck between the islands of Bougainville and New Georgia. Officials canceled a region-wide tsunami warning after the danger period passed.