A powerful earthquake off the Solomon Islands generated a tsunami of up to 1.5 metres that damaged dozens of homes in the South Pacific island chain Wednesday, but authorities cancelled warnings for tsunamis on more distant coasts.

Solomons officials reported two 1.5-metre waves hit the western side of Santa Cruz Island, damaging around 50 homes and properties, said George Herming, a spokesman for the prime minister. There were no reports of injuries or deaths. Villagers were heading for higher ground as a precaution, Herming said.

The tsunami formed after an 8.0-magnitude earthquake near Lata on Santa Cruz in Temotu province, the easternmost province of the Solomons, about a 3-hour flight from the capital, Honiara. The region has a population of around 30,000 people.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said a tsunami of about a meter was measured in Lata wharf, in the Solomon Islands. The centre said an 11-centimetre wave was observed in neighbouring Vanuatu.

The centre cancelled earlier warnings for tsunami waves further away.