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Small tsunami hits Solomons, other warnings ended

SYDNEY (AP) -- A powerful earthquake off the Solomon Islands on Wednesday generated a tsunami of up to 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) that damaged dozens of homes and left at least four people missing and presumed dead in the South Pacific island chain.Authorities canceled tsunami warnings on more distant coasts.Local officials reported that two 1.5-meter (4 foot, 11-inch) waves hit the western side of Santa Cruz Island, damaging between 70 and 80 homes and properties, said George Herming, a spokesman for the prime minister. Many villagers had headed to higher ground as a precaution, he said.Dozens of aftershocks stronger than magnitude 5 followed the quake.Solomon Islands Police Commissioner John Lansley said local police patrols reported that several people were presumed dead, though the reports were still being verified.\Sadly