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Solomons victims still struggling after tsunami

Damaged houses on remote Santa Cruz in Solomons Islands in February 2013, the day after a major earthquake and tsunami struck the area. 

Supplied: World Vision

Officials in Solomon Islands say tsunami victims are still in need of food, water and adequate shelter, more than a month after the disaster struck. 

A magnitude 8.0 earthquake hit the Santa Cruz area on February 6, triggering a tsunami that killed nine people. 

Hundreds of houses were destroyed and about 3,500 people left homeless. 

The Premier of Temotu Province, Charles Brown, has told Radio Australia's Pacific Beat saltwater and sand has ruined vital farmland in low-lying areas. 

Mr Brown says some of the victims are still in a state of shock. 

"The people are settling down very, very slowly," he said. 

"People are still living in tents but some of them have begun to leave temporary shelters. 

"They are still very worried...they need tents - proper tents, not tarpaulins - and I told them that I will be talking with World Vision if they have any tents because they have to move out from where they are."