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Solomon Islands

Solomons earthquake damages 500 homes

A reconnaissance flight over remote islands near the epicentre of a 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit Solomon Islands shows about 500 houses have been damaged or destroyed

The National Disaster Management Office says hundreds of people could be homeless, but an exact assessment can't be made until ground parties get to the area tomorrow.

Despite the damage to property, and a small tsunami generated by the earthquake, only a few minor injuries are reported.

The disaster Management Office spokesman says a patrol boat carrying water, food and tarpaulins has been sent from the capital Honiara to the worst affected areas of Rendova island and Marova Lagoon about 300 kilometres away.

The US Geological Survey says the quake struck about 103 kilometres from the island town of Gizo, the Solomons second largest city, early Monday and was measured at a depth of about 30 kilometres.

Rendova and Marova are both near Gizo.

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