Jif in Australia

A tsunami did hit the Solomon Islands

Massive quake triggers tsunami in Solomon Islands
Updated Sun. Apr. 1 2007 7:18 PM ET

CTV.ca News Staff

A tsunami wave several metres high reportedly crashed into the west coast of the Solomon Islands after a massive earthquake struck Monday morning local time.


A tsunami alert for the South Pacific states was issued after the quake --with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6 -- struck 45 kilometres off the coast of the Solomon Islands at 7:39 a.m. local time on Monday.


Police in the capital, Honiara, say authorities in the western town of Gizo have reported a wave several metres high crashing ashore, shortly before communication lines with the region were cut.


The U.S. Geological Center said the earthquake struck at 7:39 a.m. local time, Monday -- about 10 kms. beneath the sea floor. The epicenter was 345 kilometres from Honiara.


The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu has issued a tsunami warning for Hawaii, although there was no immediate threat to the U.S. state. Some coastal areas could experience unusual currents and changes in sea levels, the center said on its Web site.


Meanwhile, Japan's Meteorological Agency is looking into the possibility of tidal waves hitting the Japanese archipelago, Kyodo news agency said.


There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage in Japan.