Solomon tsunami victims mourned

By Phil Mercer
BBC News, Sydney

Many islanders were made homeless by the tsunami

The Solomon Islands has held a national day of mourning for the victims of this month's tsunami.

At least 52 people were killed when a powerful earthquake sent a series of large waves crashing into the South Pacific archipelago.

Communities in the remote western parts were devastated. More than 6,000 people have been made homeless.

There was a minute of silence across the Solomon Islands at 0739 - the time the tsunami struck three weeks ago.

Shops and businesses were closed as the small South Pacific country remembered the lives that were washed away.

A magnitude eight earthquake triggered a series of waves several metres high.

At Titiania village, a six-year-old lost his own life trying to save the life of his three-year-old sister. It was a willing act of sacrifice Prime Minister Sogavare

Many remain too scared to return to their coastal homes because of fears of another tsunami.

The government plans to relocate low-lying villages to higher ground.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has visited the stricken region.

He described the disaster as the biggest tragedy the Solomon Islands has endured since World War II.

Mr Sogavare told a memorial service in the capital Honiara that he was encouraged by the determination of the people to rebuild their lives.

Amid such hope there has also been great sacrifice and courage.

The prime minister told the story of a six-year boy who died trying to save his younger sister after the giant waves had crashed through their home.

Another service was held in the town of Gizo. It was about 45kms (28 miles) from the earthquake's epicentre.

Most of the victims of the tsunami lived in Gizo or in nearby villages.