Tsunami in Solomon Islands kills several people

This image shows the epicenter of a magnitude 8.0
earthquake that strikes Solomon islands
Image credit: USA TODAY

A strong magnitude 8.0 earthquake hits Solomon Islands that kills several people today wednesday february 6, 2013.

CNN reported, citing a director of a hospital in the main town of Lata, that five people -- four of them elderly and
one child -- died after a strong wave hit the Santa Cruz Islands, which are part of the Solomon Islands nation. The death toll was expected to rise.

Solomons officials reported two 4 foot, 11-inch waves hit the western side of Santa Cruz Island, damaging between 70 and 80 homes and properties, said George Herming, a spokesman for the prime minister. Many villagers had headed to higher ground as a precaution, Herming said.

Earlier, Solomon Islands Police Commissioner John Lansley said local police patrols had reported that several people were presumed dead, though the reports were still being verified.

"Sadly, we believe some people have lost their lives," he said. "At the moment we potentially know of four, but there may of course be more."