Gizo police truck going around town alerting the general public in Gizo yesterday

A massive 8.0 earthquake shocked people in Gizo town 4.30pm yesterday.

The earthquake centred near West of Arawa, Bougainville.

Residents in Gizo are reminded of the tragic events in 2007 in which several people lost their lives to a tsunami that swept through Gizo and parts of surrounding islands.

Last night and today people are keeping their eyes and ears peeled for odd signs in the surrounding sea.

According to the report issued by the Solomon Islands Meteorological Service, people living near the coasts should look out for unusual sea level rises.

“These might be tsunamis. If you see anything unusual, you should get to high ground immediately and aftershocks beware of damages. People should get out of buildings if they are showing signs of damage and stay listening for updates.”

A concerned Gizo resident told Island Sun yesterday that people are living in fear, with the memories of the 2007 tragedy still afresh in everyone’s mind.

He said many people fear it could strike any time.

Meanwhile, Gizo police continue to warn public to stay alert and think safety first; not to panic about the quake, listen out for warnings through radio and follow the right advices.