SOLOMON Islanders living in the South Island of New Zealand are safe amidst reports of ruthless damages and casualties inflicted by the massive earthquake that rattled the island on Monday.
A Solomon Islander living close to where the chaotic drama unfolded from the violent earthquake followed by massive aftershocks said Solomon Islanders are safe.
Ellen Kere said a good number of Solomon Islanders are in New Zealand’s South Island, and that they have cautioned each other to stay safe.
A powerful 7.8 magnitude quake struck the Island just after midnight Monday, followed by a number of powerful aftershocks that continued yesterday.
Reports from NZ stated that air force helicopters were mounting rescues as evacuation underway since yesterday.
There have been considerable infrastructural damages to buildings roads and bridges.
Ms Kere told the Solomon Star via a social media chat that it was a scary experience and she had never felt a powerful quake of that magnitude.
“It started quiet little, but turned violent. I am sure there were some forms of damages in private homes, because anything that hangs will fall.
“But we’ve received reports from each other and we’re keeping safe.”
New Zealand is a South Pacific nation of islands, the two largest being the North and South islands, which are home to most of the population.
Aftershocks from South Island reverberated all the way to Wellington, the country’s capital on the North
There are reports of casualties and deaths. The full extent of the damages will be known as assessment is carried out.
By EDNAL PALMER
