On February 6, 2013, an 8.0-magnitude undersea earthquake struck the Solomon Islands and generated a destructive tsunami that hit Santa Cruz Island, Malo Island and Lord Howe (Nibvanga Noi) Island. These islands are part of an isolated chain in Temotu Province in the country’s south-east.
Are there any natural disasters in the Solomon Islands?
Yes, the Solomon Islands archipelago is vulnerable to natural disasters and disease outbreaks, including: Earthquakes. Tsunamis. Volcanic eruptions. Cyclones and other flooding hazards. Outbreaks of dengue fever. Water-related diseases related to unclean water and poor sanitation.
How common are earthquakes in Solomon Islands and Vanuatu?
The Solomon Islands and Vanuatu are among the world’s most seismically active landmasses, second only to Japan. It’s not unusual for the Solomon Islands to have 60 to 70 earthquakes a year. Many of these are small shifts in the earth’s crust that may not be noticed, but there are also large quakes with many aftershocks.
How many people died in the Sanriku earthquake and tsunami?
The earthquake, estimated at magnitude 8.4, was followed by a huge tsunami, but no estimates exist for the number of deaths. The Sanriku region was struck by a major tsunami that caused flooding extending 4 km inland from the coast.
What was the maximum wave height of the tsunami in Japan?
Maximum wave heights up to 3 m were observed on Nendo Island in the Santa Cruz Islands region. On the islands of Malo, Nendo, Nibanga Noi, and Tomotu Niabona, the tsunami caused 10 deaths, 14 injuries, and damaged or destroyed more than 700 houses… more
How big was the tsunami on Santa Cruz Island?
On Santa Cruz Island, 1.5 m (4.9 ft) waves damaged 50 buildings. In Lata, the tsunami damaged the airport and flooded low-lying areas killing nine people, five of them elderly and one a child. More than 100 houses on the island were damaged, and the water and electricity services were interrupted.
What has been the response to the Solomon Island disaster?
As part of the longer-term recovery, we have partnered with Solomon Island International Red Cross to distribute solar lights to 500 affected families, along with providing support and training in the use and maintenance of the lights. View a gallery of images from the initial response to the disaster area.
