Another three bodies were found on Thursday, said George Herming, a spokesman for Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo.

BBC: Teams start assessing tsunami-hit Solomon Islands

The new prime minister, Gordon Darcy Lilo, is the sixth leader since 2006.

ECONOMIST: Ping-pong politics roil three island nations

On Friday, a plane carrying Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo had to return to the capital, Honiara, because of concerns over runway damage, his spokesman said.

BBC: Aftershocks hit Solomon Islands relief work