Initial reports from the remote area indicate that at least one village was devastated, but there were no reports of any fatalities. Officials estimate that about 500 homes were damaged or destroyed.
The seismic events were centered beneath the floor of the Coral Sea near the town of Gizo, which was badly damaged in April 2007 when 52 people perished after a much stronger quake generated a huge tsunami.
It’s believe the lack of fatalities this time is due to the population learning two years ago to head to higher ground immediately upon feeling a quake.
There were a handful of reported injuries, with some occurring due to landslides triggered by the shaking.
Photographs taken from police helicopters on Tuesday show debris lining the shoreline, with damaged houses on the coasts of Rendova and Tetepare.
Deep scars could also be seen on hills and cliffs, which were caused by landslides. Relief efforts were able to begin shortly after Monday’s strong quake and tsunami since international personnel were already in place, repairing damage from the 2007 quake and tsunami.
The U.S. Geological Survey says Monday’s 7.2 magnitude quake struck at 9:36 a.m. local time about 185 miles west-northwest of the Solomon Islands capital, Honiara.