By Erin Wayman
A magnitude 8.0 earthquake struck off Santa Cruz Island, part of the Solomon Islands, in the southwest Pacific Ocean February 6 at 12:12 p.m. local time. The quake triggered a tsunami and numerous aftershocks, including at least three with magnitudes greater than 6.0.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/17139.jpg?resize=300%2C192&ssl=1)
The tsunami killed at least five people and damaged homes in several villages, according to a Reuters news story.