**SOLOMON ISLANDS EARTHQUAKE UPDATE**

An earthquake of magnitude 8.1 hit the Solomons Islands around 7.30 am local time on April 2nd, 2007. The epicenter was located some 42km SSE of Gizo.

The quake was felt at Uepi however there was no damage to the resort, reefs or the surrounding area. All Uepi dive sites are still in fantastic condition and have not been affected at all by the events. There was also no tidal surge or tsunami effects at Uepi. All resort and diving operations at Uepi are as per usual. There was some damage at Gizo and other Western Province areas and our thoughts and best wishes go out those affected. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any queries.

We would sincerely like to thank everyone who has phoned, e-mailed or looked at our website to see how Uepi fared after the eathquake/tsumani. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Jill, Grant, Ian, Gayle, Lee, Rhonda and all the Uepi staff.

Thousands of people in Choiseul and Western provinces are homeless following the quake and tsunami, which washed away villages and towns. Camps have been set up on higher ground. Supplies are starting to get to the people, but more is needed. Many of you have asked how you can help; World Vision has an appeal running with funds going to help those affected. There is a need for, amongst other things, food, water and shelter. If you would like to donate, please follow the link below.

Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau latest statement:

"I would like to assure every one that central and eastern part of Solomon Islands including the capital Honiara, and Guadalcanal, Malaita, Makira, Renbel, Isabel, and Temotu provinces are unaffected by the earthquake and tsunami that hit the Western and Choiseul provinces.

Marovo Lagoon was unaffected by the tsunami and resorts such as Uepi Resort and Wilderness Lodge are operating as normal. Marovo did not receive any waves, only minor tidal fluctuations. Since the earthquake, guests at Uepi Resort have dived the area which was the closest adjacent area to the earthquakes and report that the corals and wrecks are totally unaffected".

I would also like to assure international travellers that Solomon Islands is generally safe for visitors and that the best anyone can do to help Solomon Islands tourism recover quickly is to continue to visit the country including the affected areas.

Regards

Michael Tokuru
General Manager
Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau"