People living in the coastlines of Auki township and parts of Malaita province fled to higher grounds on Sunday night after a second tsunami warning was issued.
The tsunami was triggered by a 7.7 magnitude undersea earthquake just off Makira.
Earlier on Sunday morning the first earthquake also forced many to flee their homes to higher grounds.
Later in the night when the second warning was issued people fled uphills where they spent night on the hills.
Fortunately there’s no rain during the Sunday night until the tsunami warning was cancelled.
Speaking to this paper, chief James Maona of Lilisiana who led his community to the Dukuasi higher grounds said they spent the night there.
“We were alerted about the tsunami and fled to where we can be saved leaving behind everything.
“We did run away in the morning and then again in the night.”
He acknowledged the national disaster management office (NDMO) for the alert.
“We acknowledged the NDMO for continuous updates, as we were in the front line and prone to disasters.
“NDMO’s series of simulation exercises last year have put an alert mindset to our people as they know the right thing to do in times of disaster.”
Honorable Joseph Au whose home was crowded with fleeing people told people to always prepare and stay alert as the country continues to experience disaster.
“We must always stay alert and out from the coastal homes as disaster can strike anytime when we do not expect.”
The tsunami warning was later cancelled early yesterday morning with reports there’s no damages done by the 7.7 quake.
The Solomon Islands lies on the “Ring of Fire” – an arc of earthquake and volcanic activity that stretches around the Pacific Rim.
By CAHARLEY PIRINGI
In Auki
