Solomon Islands earthquake

5.8 quake near Solomon Islands capital

According to the US Geological Survey, the quake struck 42 kilometres west of Honiara, shortly before 6 o'clock this morning local time.

The quake was at a depth of 10 kilometres. No associated regional tsunami warning has been issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre.

     

Aid effort continues in Solomons

Almost 10,000 people are now believed to have been affected across three provinces by the quake which struck off Makira in the country's south and resulted in the death of an eleven-year-old girl.

The Pacific representative from United Nations Childrens' Fund, or UNICEF, said shelter, health and education remain priorities and they are working to deliver supplies to the affected provinces.

Sheldon Yetts said the ongoing development work after the emergency response will also be very crucial.

Increase in sicknesses in quake affected Solomon Islands

It said the increase is particularly noticeable in Makira Province which was closest to the epicentre of last month's 7.8 magnitude quake.

The head of UNICEF Solomon Islands Yun Jong Kang said a health awareness campaign would be broadcast on national radio and health messages sent to mobile phones to try and address the increase in illnesses.

He said health workers, volunteers and parents would also be using health and hygiene brochures and flip charts to encourage better hygiene in homes and around the community.

6.7 quake in Solomons

According to the US Geological Survey, the quake struck 118km west-northwest of Kirakira shortly before 3.30pm local time on Tuesday.

RNZ reports the epicentre was at a depth of 44km.

It is the same region in the country's south where a magnitude 7.8 quake struck nearly a fortnight ago.

Since then the region has been hit by many aftershocks.