BUSINESSES, government offices and schools are closed in Honiara this afternoon following the magnitude 7.0 earthquake.
The USGS recorded the earthquake 18km southwest of Malango on Guadalcanal Province with a depth of 15.0km.
It happened just after 1pm local time.
Many moved to higher grounds in case of a tsunami causing traffic chaos on the ridges.
They returned to offices, homes and shops after the tsunami warning has been called off to find items fell off shelves, broken glasses and items as well as damages to few infrastructure.
“This was the first time I have experienced such a strong earthquake.
“I ran with my child outside thinking it will stop after a few seconds like other earthquakes I have experienced before but it kept going and getting stronger and stronger,” a mother said.
No deaths related to the earthquake were reported at the National Referral Hospital except for minor lacerations and bruises.
Patients who were fit to leave the hospital were also discharged yesterday afternoon except for those that are very sick.
Aftershocks continue to be felt in Honiara as the city remains without electricity following the massive earthquake.
Many families living along the shorelines are also leaving their homes tonight to move to higher grounds.
“We will return when things quieten down,” a mother at Henderson said.
“It will be safer to go to the hills than stay at our homes tonight.”
