Earthquake In Gizo, Solomon Islands

On 2 April 2007 a shallow earthquake with a magnitude of 8.1 struck near the town of Gizo in the Solomon Islands.  The earthquake caused significant damage, loss of life and left thousands homeless.  A state of emergency was issued for the Islands.

Media reports indicate the earthquake damaged shops, schools and a hospital and the resultant tsunami washed dozens of houses into the sea.

It is difficult to imagine but the earthquake lifted the island of Ranongga by some three metres causing the beaches to shift outwards by a reported 70 metres.

The resultant tsunami not only devastated Gizo but destroyed several other low lying island villages and was felt as far away as Papua New Guinea.  Many countries in, and bordering, the Pacific Ocean issued tsunami alerts.  An alert was even issued for the east coast of Australia.

Australia is not immune.  Earthquakes, with devastating effects, have occurred in Australia and have been the subject of insurance claims e.g. Newcastle in 1989. 

Also see: - Earthquakes in Australia

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Published with permission of Claim Solutions Pty Ltd 

Insurance Policy

Country: - Solomon Islands & Australia 

Policy Description: - Various

Insurer: - Various 

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