WELLINGTON, April 2 (Xinhua) -- At least two people were confirmed dead and four others were missing after Monday morning's strong earthquake in Solomon Islands, according to Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation.

    The earthquake of 8.0 magnitude on the Richter Scale struck at around 7:30 a.m. local time 10 km deep and around 45 km from Gizo,the capital of Western province.

    According to Solomons Star newspaper, residents of the coastal settlement of Gizo retreated to high ground as waves damaged buildings, including a local hotel.

    Some damage to property has been reported from the township of Gizo.

    The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said a tsunami alert was in effect for the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Fiji and northeastern Australia.

    The authorities in New Caledonia have lifted the tsunami warning.

    They said a small wave reached the territory as anticipated.

    A warning is still in place in Vanuatu which will be reviewed Monday afternoon.