Pacific Tragedy
p. 59 · Read in the full issue
4 series of major earth akes which caused great s of life in Chile in May, off tidal waves which :ed across the entire Pacific i caused damage along istlines as far off as Japan, w Guinea and Australia, my people were drowned the waves in Hawaii, ese waves—k no wn as smic seawaves, or tsunamis ire not uncommon in the cific. They especially occur, a much smaller scale hut irly frequently, in the lomons, and in the New brides and there have been ne notable instances in the t few years in that area, ■us, “PIM” asked Mr. John over, Chief Geologist of the itish Solomon Islands Pro torate, to comment on the enomenon.
This photo, taken by Mr. Grover following the Vella Lavella (Solomons) earthquake and sea wave of last August, shows how a tidal wave can permanently affect the land. The channel side of Binskin island subsided, the retaining walls were shaken down and boulders were washed away. Today the boathouse, which was well away from the sea, is now a foot deep with water at high tide. The little park seat which also was well above the sea is now in the water.