ReliefWeb

On 4 January 2010, two earthquakes struck close together and occurred around 55 miles (88 km) south to southeast of the island of Gizo. The earthquakes, which had respective magnitudes of 7.2 and 6.5, generated a tsunami that hit the southern and northern coast of the islands of Rendova and Tetepare. The large wave and landslides damaged houses and boats on both islands. On 5 January 2010, a magnitude 6.9 aftershock struck, damaging houses around the Marovo lagoon. (WHO, 13 Jan 2010) About 8,000 people were living in the affected areas. (WHO, 22 Jan 2010)