Cape Town – The earthquake that shook Germiston and surrounding areas in the early hours of Wednesday morning was likely related to mining practices, according to a local seismology expert.
Michelle Grobbelaar, manager of the seismology unit at the Council for Geoscience, could not confirm with 100% certainty that it was mining-related, but said that it was “likely”.
“It is likely related to abandoned mines. In the past, with much mining activity, tremors occurred more regularly,” she told News24.
Grobbelaar described "water ingress" as a highly probable scenario where the natural water table fills up.
“When water comes into rocks it lubricates the joints causing fractures to slip thereby causing earthquakes,” she said.
According to Grobbelaar the public may be at risk if the ground movement affects buildings.
“In seismology, intensity scale depends on the quality or construction of the building... one can get destruction at a small magnitude,”she added.
Research is being carried out in an attempt to stabilise water movement.
At the surface level micro-zonation studies seeks to identify areas where damage would be the worst and thereafter informing disaster risk management efforts.
The public will be encouraged to complete an online questionnaire which will help seismologists get an accurate location of the earthquake’s epicentre.
The earthquake measured 3.4 on a local magnitude scale, which is equivalent to the Californian Richter scale.
- News24
Showing posts with label Earthquake. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Earthquake. Show all posts
Thursday, 28 February 2013
Wednesday, 27 February 2013
Update: Earthquake felt in parts of Gauteng (27 February 2013 00h31 SAST)
Image: Google Maps
Henri Steppe: At what strength does a tremor become a quake?
SAWDOS - An earthquake (also known as a quake, tremor or temblor) is the result of a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves. Once measured on the Richter scale it is classified as and earthquake. The Richter magnitude scale (often shortened to Richter scale) was developed to assign a single number to quantify the energy released during an earthquake. Earthquakes descriptions are: Micro - Less than 2.0M, Minor - 2.0 to 3.9M, Light - 4.0 to 4.9M, Moderate - 5 - 5.0M, Strong - 6.0 - 6.9M, Major - 7.0 - 7.9M, Great - 8.0 - 9.9M and Massive - 10 or Over. Last night's earthquake is classified as Minor (2.9 to 3.9M)The earth tremor last night felt in parts of Gauteng measured 3.4M on the Richter scale. Having said that one never knows when the big one will strike.
Request for information: Tremor Gauteng (27 February 2013)
SAWDOS request people that felt the tremor in the Gauteng area last night, to send information about the tremor to the SAWDOS.
The following information is needed. Please complete what you experienced and observed during the tremor.
1. Name:
2. Town or area:
3. Province:
4. Date of earthquake:
5. Time of earthquake:
6. If available, in which area was the earthquake felt:
7. Where were you when the earthquake occurred:
8. Did you feel any vibrations or shaking:
9. Did you hear anything and if so what did you hear:
10. Did any door or window rattle or anything else:
11. Were you indoors or outdoors at the time:
12. Was there any damage (If yes, please provide detail):
13. General Observations or comments:
14. Is this the first time you felt a tremor in the area:
Send information to the SAWDIS by clicking HERE.
Please do not stop reporting tremors or earthquakes as the SAWDIS is now your only free source of earthquake information based upon reports from the public. Keep those reports coming!!
The following information is needed. Please complete what you experienced and observed during the tremor.
1. Name:
2. Town or area:
3. Province:
4. Date of earthquake:
5. Time of earthquake:
6. If available, in which area was the earthquake felt:
7. Where were you when the earthquake occurred:
8. Did you feel any vibrations or shaking:
9. Did you hear anything and if so what did you hear:
10. Did any door or window rattle or anything else:
11. Were you indoors or outdoors at the time:
12. Was there any damage (If yes, please provide detail):
13. General Observations or comments:
14. Is this the first time you felt a tremor in the area:
Send information to the SAWDIS by clicking HERE.
Please do not stop reporting tremors or earthquakes as the SAWDIS is now your only free source of earthquake information based upon reports from the public. Keep those reports coming!!
Earthquake in Boksburg (Johannesburg), South Africa
South Africa has often weak to moderate earthquakes but we have a hard time to retrieve data from it. International agencies are not reporting the data but people are mentioning what they have felt in our site.
The site of http://www.geoscience.org.za/ is dead since a long time and even the proposed links are not working or are overdue too. A pity. A population should be informed swiftly about earthquakes.
- Earthquake Report
SAWDOS - Now this is what the SAWDOS has been talking about all along. No free information on earthquakes in South Africa. Rather working together Geoscience has opted to go the subscription route. Thanks to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), amateur sceismic observers and SAWDOS social media South Africans can still get earthquake information free of charge. This is really crazy but unfortunately the current situation in South Africa.
The site of http://www.geoscience.org.za/ is dead since a long time and even the proposed links are not working or are overdue too. A pity. A population should be informed swiftly about earthquakes.
- Earthquake Report
SAWDOS - Now this is what the SAWDOS has been talking about all along. No free information on earthquakes in South Africa. Rather working together Geoscience has opted to go the subscription route. Thanks to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), amateur sceismic observers and SAWDOS social media South Africans can still get earthquake information free of charge. This is really crazy but unfortunately the current situation in South Africa.
A big earthquake expected in South Africa?
Images: USGS (Click for larger view.)
Anonymous writes: I am just curious to know. I live in Witfield, Boksburg in Gauteng. Last night we experienced an earthquake that was really intense. This is the second one in two years. I have lived there all my life and have never felt them so strong, thus I can't believe that it's due to the mines in the area. It lasted for about 5 seconds and was so strong that I could see my house make like a wave almost. Just want to know if someone else felt it and what it measured on the Richter scale. Should we be concerned?
SAWDIS - There is no "Earthquake Proof" areas on Earth. Yes, there is always the possibility of a large and destructive earthquake in South Africa.
An earthquake is caused by fault lines releasing energy under the earth's surface. Fault lines are found in the boundaries of two or more tectonic plates.
South Africa, and the rest of Africa, sits inside the African Plate. The closest big fault lines to South Africa is created by the African Plate and Antarctic Plate which is far down in the Southern Ocean. We should take precautions and be ready when an earthquake strike and lets not forget about the threat of a Tsunami should a large earthquake occur in the Southern Ocean.
The Earth will move whether we like it or not. Minor and small fault lines could also be created away from the main fault lines. In 1969 Tulbagh in the Western Cape experienced a devastating earthquake. So there is definitely bound to be another devastating earthquake in South Africa. It is just a question of where and when. Nobody really knows as earthquakes currently cannot be predicted.
It is not known whether this tremor is a pre-shock to a major earthquake. Earthquakes fall into 3 categories. Some have fore-shocks, some show subtle signs, and others have aftershocks. Earthquakes are still not predictable. Some have no warning at all and never show any signs of happening. The third group follow no pattern at all, they go seemingly randomly, and they can not even be estimated. It is very hard to tell which fault will be in which group, and this is why prediction is still impossible. The designation of an earthquake as fore-shock, main-shock or after-shock is therefor only possible after the main event.
Up to now the cause of last night's tremor is still unknown (possibly mine related?) but the SAWDOS would like to advise members of the public to report any further seismic activity to the SAWDOS.
SAWDOS would like to take this opportunity to thank all earthquake observers who send in reports to the SAWDOS . Despite the lack of Richterscale and other seismic information from Geoscience it is imperative that every tremor in South Africa must be reported. To all those who monitors Earthquakes in South Africa, keep up the good work and continue to inform SAWDOS of tremor events. Keep Safe!!
- SAWDOS
What to Do During an Earthquake
Stay as safe as possible during an earthquake. Be aware that some
earthquakes are actually foreshocks and a larger earthquake might occur.
Minimize your movements to a few steps to a nearby safe place and if
you are indoors, stay there until the shaking has stopped and you are
sure exiting is safe.
If indoors
DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.
Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported, loadbearing doorway.
Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.
Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.
DO NOT use the elevators.
If outdoors
Stay there.
Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits and alongside exterior walls. Many of the 120 fatalities from the 1933 Long Beach earthquake occurred when people ran outside of buildings only to be killed by falling debris from collapsing walls. Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.
If in a moving vehicle
Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.
Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.
If trapped under debris
Do not light a match.
Do not move about or kick up dust.
Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.
- FEMA
If indoors
DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.
Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported, loadbearing doorway.
Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.
Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.
DO NOT use the elevators.
If outdoors
Stay there.
Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits and alongside exterior walls. Many of the 120 fatalities from the 1933 Long Beach earthquake occurred when people ran outside of buildings only to be killed by falling debris from collapsing walls. Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.
If in a moving vehicle
Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.
Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.
If trapped under debris
Do not light a match.
Do not move about or kick up dust.
Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.
- FEMA
Earth Tremor felt in parts of Gauteng (27 February 2013 00h31 SAST)
A large earth tremor was felt last night in many areas or Gauteng. The SAWDOS was alerted of the incident via Twitter at. It is not known at this stage whether this tremor was a mine related incident. The SAWDOS trust that the Council for Geoscience will release further info on the earth tremor. No reports of damage or injuries were received up to now.
TheVenomNib @SAWDOS1 earthquake apps not showing any seismic activity above 1 on Richter scale fo r job area . 3 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
NazliHamilton @SAWDOS1 Felt a tremor in Ridgeway, JHB South. It lasted quite long. Scary! 7 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
Sam_Bhikraj @ruby_clipper @ToxxiCat @SAWDOS1 Felt it in Linmeyer too. Freaked me out...Felt the whole building move! 7 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
GUNS1401 @SAWDOS1 still can't get back to sleep after the earth tremor felt in Linden at 0030B27022013. Sounded and felt like a (long) truck crash 7 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
RiekieE @SimoneGorven @SAWDOS1 @atlasville #Tremor I felt it in Wilropark Roodepoort 7 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
ValTheGranny @sawdos1 Tremor felt in Solheim just above Bedfordview aprox. 12.30 my bed bounced up and down I got such a fright 7 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
Alimano123 @SAWDOS1 felt it here in Riverlea as well. 7 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
REVOLP @SAWDOS1 gautrain is sleeping right. #NoAccident 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
SimoneGorven @SAWDOS1 felt the #Tremor in @atlasville shortly after 12:30am. Thought someone was breaking in! 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
HollidayTarryn @SAWDOS1 how can that be felt all the way here near Midrand and Centurion? Mine related? Is that possible? 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
BurgerGVN @SAWDOS1 Earth Tremor felt at +/- 00H25. Windows, Doors and Walls, rattle and rumble for about 10 seconds I think. #GVNBURGER 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
RiAiDi @SAWDOS1 We are very close too Fourways/Crowthorne area and I definitely felt very light tremor and heard the rumbling noise!Any other?? 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
TigerMunky @PietmanKahl @sawdos1 Jozi central too, I wonder if it reached the South? 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
HollidayTarryn Slight earth tremor here in Carlswald Midrand at +- 00h35! Thought I was imagining things! @SAWDOS1 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
SAWDOS1 To early to tell the exact cause of the tremor. Most likely mine related. 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
JoyRecruitRite "@FamilySmiths: @SAWDOS1 felt that earth tremor in sunnyridge too, hectic" ◄ and in Orange Grove. 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
RiAiDi @SAWDOS1 You could actually hear it too!! 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
0690RGG @ruby_clipper @sawdos1 i felt it too 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
warrenegates "@moe_omarjee: Hectic Earth Tremor In Auckland Park,Rattled doors windows with Loud Rumble.What's the cause?@SAWDOS1" felt in Alberton too. 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
PietmanKahl .@PietmanKahl @SAWDOS1 how wide spread was it? #atlasville in East to #aucklandpark in the west! #tremor 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
atlasville @sawdos1 That earth tremor has not affected OR Tambo. Planes taking off. #Tremor felt right across Jhb from east to west and south. 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
FamilySmiths @SAWDOS1 felt that earth tremor in sunnyridge too, hectic 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
HollidayTarryn "@atlasville: Earth tremor in#Atlasville Wed, Feb 27, 2013 00:31:12. Woke up the birds! @sawdos1" @Trevornoah 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
kwbjhb @SAWDOS1 earth tremor roodepoort at 00h30 about 20secs 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
sumptiousbitch1 @mwmoz @SAWDOS1 @Trevornoah @atlasville I'm in edenvale felt it to whole house. windows shook 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
RiAiDi @SAWDOS1 Felt a light tremor in Centurion, Monavoni!! Wow! Scary! 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
smanjoo "@moe_omarjee: Hectic Earth Tremor In Auckland Park,Rattled doors windows with Loud Rumble.What's the cause?"@SAWDOS1 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
trustfreetks @atlasville @sawdos1 now they really shouting! Wonder wot they know next ! It was rather a cracking one #yikes! 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
moe_omarjee Hectic Earth Tremor In Auckland Park,Rattled doors windows with Loud Rumble.What's the cause?@SAWDOS1 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
ParwezLidimo @SAWDOS1 00:25 Benoni Earth tremor , bed shaking and windows rattling . Ricter scale? 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
mwmoz @Trevornoah did you feel it too? I'm in boksburg, @atlasville mentioned it too @SAWDOS1 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
mwmoz @SAWDOS1 nice earth tremor in atlasville, boksburg a few seconds ago! 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
ruby_clipper Earth tremor, quite strong, shaking windows, doors, security gates etc for about 20secs in Glenvista JHB 00H31 @SAWDOS1 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
atlasville Earth tremor in#Atlasville Wed, Feb 27, 2013 00:31:12. Woke up the birds! @sawdos1 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
TheVenomNib @SAWDOS1 earthquake apps not showing any seismic activity above 1 on Richter scale fo r job area . 3 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
NazliHamilton @SAWDOS1 Felt a tremor in Ridgeway, JHB South. It lasted quite long. Scary! 7 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
Sam_Bhikraj @ruby_clipper @ToxxiCat @SAWDOS1 Felt it in Linmeyer too. Freaked me out...Felt the whole building move! 7 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
GUNS1401 @SAWDOS1 still can't get back to sleep after the earth tremor felt in Linden at 0030B27022013. Sounded and felt like a (long) truck crash 7 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
RiekieE @SimoneGorven @SAWDOS1 @atlasville #Tremor I felt it in Wilropark Roodepoort 7 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
ValTheGranny @sawdos1 Tremor felt in Solheim just above Bedfordview aprox. 12.30 my bed bounced up and down I got such a fright 7 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
Alimano123 @SAWDOS1 felt it here in Riverlea as well. 7 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
REVOLP @SAWDOS1 gautrain is sleeping right. #NoAccident 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
SimoneGorven @SAWDOS1 felt the #Tremor in @atlasville shortly after 12:30am. Thought someone was breaking in! 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
HollidayTarryn @SAWDOS1 how can that be felt all the way here near Midrand and Centurion? Mine related? Is that possible? 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
BurgerGVN @SAWDOS1 Earth Tremor felt at +/- 00H25. Windows, Doors and Walls, rattle and rumble for about 10 seconds I think. #GVNBURGER 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
RiAiDi @SAWDOS1 We are very close too Fourways/Crowthorne area and I definitely felt very light tremor and heard the rumbling noise!Any other?? 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
TigerMunky @PietmanKahl @sawdos1 Jozi central too, I wonder if it reached the South? 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
HollidayTarryn Slight earth tremor here in Carlswald Midrand at +- 00h35! Thought I was imagining things! @SAWDOS1 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
SAWDOS1 To early to tell the exact cause of the tremor. Most likely mine related. 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
JoyRecruitRite "@FamilySmiths: @SAWDOS1 felt that earth tremor in sunnyridge too, hectic" ◄ and in Orange Grove. 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
RiAiDi @SAWDOS1 You could actually hear it too!! 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
0690RGG @ruby_clipper @sawdos1 i felt it too 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
warrenegates "@moe_omarjee: Hectic Earth Tremor In Auckland Park,Rattled doors windows with Loud Rumble.What's the cause?@SAWDOS1" felt in Alberton too. 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
PietmanKahl .@PietmanKahl @SAWDOS1 how wide spread was it? #atlasville in East to #aucklandpark in the west! #tremor 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
atlasville @sawdos1 That earth tremor has not affected OR Tambo. Planes taking off. #Tremor felt right across Jhb from east to west and south. 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
FamilySmiths @SAWDOS1 felt that earth tremor in sunnyridge too, hectic 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
HollidayTarryn "@atlasville: Earth tremor in#Atlasville Wed, Feb 27, 2013 00:31:12. Woke up the birds! @sawdos1" @Trevornoah 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
kwbjhb @SAWDOS1 earth tremor roodepoort at 00h30 about 20secs 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
sumptiousbitch1 @mwmoz @SAWDOS1 @Trevornoah @atlasville I'm in edenvale felt it to whole house. windows shook 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
RiAiDi @SAWDOS1 Felt a light tremor in Centurion, Monavoni!! Wow! Scary! 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
smanjoo "@moe_omarjee: Hectic Earth Tremor In Auckland Park,Rattled doors windows with Loud Rumble.What's the cause?"@SAWDOS1 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
trustfreetks @atlasville @sawdos1 now they really shouting! Wonder wot they know next ! It was rather a cracking one #yikes! 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
moe_omarjee Hectic Earth Tremor In Auckland Park,Rattled doors windows with Loud Rumble.What's the cause?@SAWDOS1 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
ParwezLidimo @SAWDOS1 00:25 Benoni Earth tremor , bed shaking and windows rattling . Ricter scale? 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
mwmoz @Trevornoah did you feel it too? I'm in boksburg, @atlasville mentioned it too @SAWDOS1 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
mwmoz @SAWDOS1 nice earth tremor in atlasville, boksburg a few seconds ago! 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
ruby_clipper Earth tremor, quite strong, shaking windows, doors, security gates etc for about 20secs in Glenvista JHB 00H31 @SAWDOS1 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
atlasville Earth tremor in#Atlasville Wed, Feb 27, 2013 00:31:12. Woke up the birds! @sawdos1 8 hours ago · reply · retweet · favorite
Friday, 8 February 2013
Another powerful quake strikes Solomon Islands region
(CNN) -- A 7.1-magnitude earthquake rattled the Solomon Islands on Friday, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.
There were no immediate reports of a tsunami.
The quake comes two days after an 8.0-magnitude earthquake struck the same region, triggering a tsunami that killed five people but didn't threaten the wider region.
Four elderly people and one child died after a roughly 1-meter (3-foot) wave hit the Santa Cruz Islands, an eastern region of the Solomon Islands, said Augustine Bilve, a director at a hospital in Lata, the main town in the area.
- CNN
There were no immediate reports of a tsunami.
The quake comes two days after an 8.0-magnitude earthquake struck the same region, triggering a tsunami that killed five people but didn't threaten the wider region.
Four elderly people and one child died after a roughly 1-meter (3-foot) wave hit the Santa Cruz Islands, an eastern region of the Solomon Islands, said Augustine Bilve, a director at a hospital in Lata, the main town in the area.
- CNN
Thursday, 7 February 2013
Tsunami highlights small island vulnerability
BANGKOK, 6 February, 2013 - At least five people are reported to have died in a tsunami which struck a remote part of the Solomon Islands earlier today.
More than 5,000 people could have been seriously affected by the one meter wave that hit the town of Lata on Santa Cruz island swamping some villages and the town’s main airport but early warning systems worked and most people had fled the town for higher ground.
Initial information provided by OCHA suggests that the tsunami wave travelled 500 meters inland and flattened many traditional houses but the extent of the damage is still unknown especially in remote areas which may not have received the alert.
Some fifty people died in 2007 when the Solomon Islands was last hit by a tsunami following an 8.1 magnitude quake.
A tsunami warning was issued earlier today by The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) within four minutes of the earthquake and covered the Solomon Islands and many other surrounding islands such as Vanuatu, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu, New Caledonia, Kosrae, Fiji, Kiribati, Wallis and Futuna. The regional warning was cancelled 2.5 hours later.
In New Zealand, tsunami sirens were set off late in the afternoon, and people in coastal areas were being told to stay off beaches and out of the sea, rivers and estuaries. The Bureau of Meteorology said there was no tsunami threat to Australia however a tsunami watch was issued for Australia, New Zealand, and all the way to Indonesia.
More than 500,000 people are living in Solomon Islands which forms part of the Ring of Fire, a zone of tectonic activity around the Pacific Ocean that is subject to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
“This lastest disaster event underlines the vulnerability of all these small low-lying islands to sea level rise. Many islands such as Vanuatu and Kiribati are already suffering from recurrent flooding. More action needs to be taken at the international level to increase their capacities to deal with what is now seen as inevitable,” said Jerry Velasquez from the UN office of Disaster Risk Reduction.
Representatives of the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) will be attending the next Global Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction in May in Geneva and will try again to convince the international community to take action before their Third International Conference on SIDS next year in Samoa.
- ReliefWeb
More than 5,000 people could have been seriously affected by the one meter wave that hit the town of Lata on Santa Cruz island swamping some villages and the town’s main airport but early warning systems worked and most people had fled the town for higher ground.
Initial information provided by OCHA suggests that the tsunami wave travelled 500 meters inland and flattened many traditional houses but the extent of the damage is still unknown especially in remote areas which may not have received the alert.
Some fifty people died in 2007 when the Solomon Islands was last hit by a tsunami following an 8.1 magnitude quake.
A tsunami warning was issued earlier today by The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) within four minutes of the earthquake and covered the Solomon Islands and many other surrounding islands such as Vanuatu, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu, New Caledonia, Kosrae, Fiji, Kiribati, Wallis and Futuna. The regional warning was cancelled 2.5 hours later.
In New Zealand, tsunami sirens were set off late in the afternoon, and people in coastal areas were being told to stay off beaches and out of the sea, rivers and estuaries. The Bureau of Meteorology said there was no tsunami threat to Australia however a tsunami watch was issued for Australia, New Zealand, and all the way to Indonesia.
More than 500,000 people are living in Solomon Islands which forms part of the Ring of Fire, a zone of tectonic activity around the Pacific Ocean that is subject to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
“This lastest disaster event underlines the vulnerability of all these small low-lying islands to sea level rise. Many islands such as Vanuatu and Kiribati are already suffering from recurrent flooding. More action needs to be taken at the international level to increase their capacities to deal with what is now seen as inevitable,” said Jerry Velasquez from the UN office of Disaster Risk Reduction.
Representatives of the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) will be attending the next Global Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction in May in Geneva and will try again to convince the international community to take action before their Third International Conference on SIDS next year in Samoa.
- ReliefWeb
Solomon Islands: Earthquake and Tsunami - Feb 2013
An 8.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of the Santa Cruz Islands in the southeast Solomon Islands archipelago on 6 Feb 2013. Initial information suggests that a tsunami wave traveled 500 meters inland. 431 houses have been damaged or destroyed in Temotu Province, leaving 3,500 people displaced. (OCHA, 07 Feb 2013)
- ReliefWeb
Update: Santa Cruz Islands (Solomon Islands) earthquake 2013: Tsunami kills 6
The Earthquake and Tsunami in Santa Cruz Islands (Solomon Islands) has killed 6 people and collapsed more than 100 houses in Lata. Three people are still reported to be missing.
Due to the remoteness of the natural disaster area, it is difficult for Solomon Islands government and relief agencies to get detailed reports of the damage.
The Solomon Islands sit above the collision between the Australia and Pacific plates.
This earthquake is the second-largest earthquake in the Solomon Islands region in almost 40 years.
- Natural Disasters
Due to the remoteness of the natural disaster area, it is difficult for Solomon Islands government and relief agencies to get detailed reports of the damage.
The Solomon Islands sit above the collision between the Australia and Pacific plates.
This earthquake is the second-largest earthquake in the Solomon Islands region in almost 40 years.
- Natural Disasters
Wednesday, 6 February 2013
Image: Earthquake and Tsunami Damage Solomon Islands
Disaster Report - First photo of disaster in Solomon Islands, Santa Cruz Islands. Tsunami in Solomon Islands has destroyed more than 50 houses.
DR: It is just the preliminary report obtained from locals in Solomon.
We have currently no report of injured people.
Several houses reported to be flooded in eastern Temotu province of Solomon Islands.
- Solomon Times
Quake off Solomon Islands triggers tsunami
A small tsunami hit the eastern Solomon Islands after a magnitude 8.0 earthquake that triggered tsunami warnings for several Pacific nations.
The quake struck at 01:12 GMT near the Santa Cruz islands, part of the Solomon Islands nation, the US Geological Survey said.
A tsunami measuring 0.9m (3ft) subsequently hit Lata in the far eastern Solomons.
The centre said the tsunami could be destructive near the epicentre.
"Sea level readings indicate a tsunami was generated," the Hawaii-based centre said.
"It may have been destructive along coasts near the earthquake epicentre and could also be a threat to more distant coasts."
Initial reports by the USGS said the quake had a shallow depth of 5.8km (3.6 miles) but it later revised the figure to 28.7km (17.8 miles).
The tsunami warning was issued for the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu, New Caledonia, Kosrae, Fiji, Kiribati, and Wallis and Futuna islands.
A tsunami watch was issued for other nations in the South Pacific, including Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia. However, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology later said Australia was not at risk from a tsunami.
France issued a tsunami warning for its New Caledonia territory, saying that the wave could strike at about 03:00 GMT. Residents near the coast were being advised to evacuate.
Irene Scott, a reporter with Paoa FM on the Solomon Islands, told the BBC there were reports of houses being inundated in eastern Temotu province, but no serious damage or injuries.
The Solomon Islands form part of the Ring Of Fire, a zone of volcanic arcs and oceanic trenches encircling the Pacific basin.
The 8.0 earthquake was followed by several aftershocks, the largest measuring 6.6 magnitude.
The region has been experiencing a series of smaller quakes in recent days.
In 2007 an 8.1 magnitude earthquake triggered a tsunami that killed at least 52 people in the Solomons and left thousands homeless.
-BBC
Powerful quake in South Pacific triggers 3-foot tsunami
A 3-foot tsunami was generated after a strong earthquake shook the islands in the South Pacific, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said.
The U.S. Geological Survey says the quake -- with a preliminary magnitude of 8.0 -- struck Wednesday in the Santa Cruz Islands at a depth of about 3 miles. The Santa Cruz Islands are scarcely populated and are part of the Solomon Islands.
A magnitude 6.4 aftershock occurred shortly after the first rumble, followed by a 6.6 one later. USGS officials said that was "not at all surprising."
Hotel workers on Vanuatu said they felt the earthquake but have not heard of any damage or injuries. An employee who can see the coast from a hotel said he had not noticed any water coming in.
The tsunami warning was in effect for the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu, New Caledonia, Kosrae, Fiji, Kiribati, Wallis and Futana. A tsunami watch was in effect for Samoa, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia and Guam.
- NBCNews.com
The U.S. Geological Survey says the quake -- with a preliminary magnitude of 8.0 -- struck Wednesday in the Santa Cruz Islands at a depth of about 3 miles. The Santa Cruz Islands are scarcely populated and are part of the Solomon Islands.
A magnitude 6.4 aftershock occurred shortly after the first rumble, followed by a 6.6 one later. USGS officials said that was "not at all surprising."
Hotel workers on Vanuatu said they felt the earthquake but have not heard of any damage or injuries. An employee who can see the coast from a hotel said he had not noticed any water coming in.
The tsunami warning was in effect for the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu, New Caledonia, Kosrae, Fiji, Kiribati, Wallis and Futana. A tsunami watch was in effect for Samoa, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia and Guam.
- NBCNews.com
M8.0 - SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS 2013-02-06 01:12:27 UTC
Summary
Location and Magnitude contributed by: USGS, NEIC, Golden, Colorado (and predecessors)
Event Time
- 2013-02-06 01:12:27 UTC
- 2013-02-06 03:12:27 UTC+02:00 system time
Location
10.738°S 165.138°E depth=28.7km (17.8mi)Friday, 16 November 2012
6.0 magnitude quake jolts Mexico
INTERNATIONAL NEWS - A powerful 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck southern Mexico early Thursday, according to the US Geological Survey.
There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage from the earthquake, which struck at 3:20 am (0920 GMT) some 31 kilometers (19 miles) east of the town of Altamirano, in the southern Guerrero state.
Source : Sapa/George Herald
There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage from the earthquake, which struck at 3:20 am (0920 GMT) some 31 kilometers (19 miles) east of the town of Altamirano, in the southern Guerrero state.
Source : Sapa/George Herald
Wednesday, 14 November 2012
Myanmar quake death toll up to 26, tremor hits capital
YANGON, Nov 13 (Reuters) - An earthquake struck near Myanmar's new capital of Naypyitaw on Tuesday, state television reported, but there were no immediate reports of damage, while the death toll from a weekend quake to its north rose to 26, according to an aid organisation.
MRTV television said the new quake of 4.8 magnitude hit at 8:23 a.m. (0153 GMT). Its epicentre was about 35 miles (56 km) south of the capital.
"We in Naypyitaw are no strangers to tremors, but we rushed out of our hostel in panic this morning," a Commerce Ministry official said, asking not to be named. She had not heard of any damage in or around the city.
Official news on Sunday's far larger earthquake near the central city of Mandalay was still sparse.
According to the International Federation of Red Cross Societies (IFRC), 26 people died as a result of that 6.8 magnitude quake and its aftershocks. Another 231 were injured and hundreds of buildings were damaged.
Initial reports from officials speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity had put the death toll at 11.
"It's difficult to be precise, with possible double-counting," said Denis de Poerck, director of programme operations for the Save the Children aid agency in Myanmar.
"It's not a major catastrophe, contrary to expectations on the first day," he told Reuters.
Katherine Roux, spokeswoman for the IFRC in Southeast Asia, broadly shared that view.
"The Myanmar Red Cross has determined at this stage, at least as of last night, that there is no need for external support or funding right now," she said. "It's under control, but there is ongoing assessment."
A quasi-civilian government has opened up Myanmar, one of Asia's poorest countries, since taking over in March 2011 from the military, which had ruled for nearly 50 years.
The military regime was condemned by humanitarian agencies in 2008 for initially refusing international help to cope with Cyclone Nargis, which killed more than 130,000 people.
President Barack Obama will become the first U.S. leader to visit Myanmar this month during a Nov. 17-20 tour of Southeast Asia that will also take in Thailand and Cambodia, his first international trip since he won re-election last week. (Writing by Paul Carsten; Editing by Alan Raybould and Robert Birsel)
- Reuters/AlertNet
MRTV television said the new quake of 4.8 magnitude hit at 8:23 a.m. (0153 GMT). Its epicentre was about 35 miles (56 km) south of the capital.
"We in Naypyitaw are no strangers to tremors, but we rushed out of our hostel in panic this morning," a Commerce Ministry official said, asking not to be named. She had not heard of any damage in or around the city.
Official news on Sunday's far larger earthquake near the central city of Mandalay was still sparse.
According to the International Federation of Red Cross Societies (IFRC), 26 people died as a result of that 6.8 magnitude quake and its aftershocks. Another 231 were injured and hundreds of buildings were damaged.
Initial reports from officials speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity had put the death toll at 11.
"It's difficult to be precise, with possible double-counting," said Denis de Poerck, director of programme operations for the Save the Children aid agency in Myanmar.
"It's not a major catastrophe, contrary to expectations on the first day," he told Reuters.
Katherine Roux, spokeswoman for the IFRC in Southeast Asia, broadly shared that view.
"The Myanmar Red Cross has determined at this stage, at least as of last night, that there is no need for external support or funding right now," she said. "It's under control, but there is ongoing assessment."
A quasi-civilian government has opened up Myanmar, one of Asia's poorest countries, since taking over in March 2011 from the military, which had ruled for nearly 50 years.
The military regime was condemned by humanitarian agencies in 2008 for initially refusing international help to cope with Cyclone Nargis, which killed more than 130,000 people.
President Barack Obama will become the first U.S. leader to visit Myanmar this month during a Nov. 17-20 tour of Southeast Asia that will also take in Thailand and Cambodia, his first international trip since he won re-election last week. (Writing by Paul Carsten; Editing by Alan Raybould and Robert Birsel)
- Reuters/AlertNet
Monday, 12 November 2012
Guatemala hit by another powerful earthquake
The new earthquake brought panic to Guatemala's devastated San Marcos region, where up to 10,000 houses may have been destroyed
A strong earthquake has hit Guatemala just days after at least 52 people were killed by the country's most powerful quake in decades.
The 6.1-magnitude tremor had its epicentre off Guatemala's Pacific coast.
It also felt in El Salvador and Mexico's southern Chiapas state.
There are no immediate reports of deaths or major damage, but the second strong quake in less than a week caused panic in the Central American country.
President Otto Perez Molina was briefing journalists on the relief operation when the quake struck, says the Prensa Libre newspaper.
Mr Molina, government officials and journalists evacuated the building immediately.
Devastated region
The earthquake hit at 16:15 local time (22:15 GMT).
"We felt it very, very strongly here," Red Cross spokesperson Vinicio Saraza in San Marcos state told the Reuters news agency.
San Marcos, a mountainous state near the Mexican border, was the region most devastated by Wednesday's 7.2-magnitude tremor - the most powerful to hit Guatemala since 1976.
In San Cristobal Cucho, 10 members of the same family were killed when their house collapsed.
Most of the victims were from the town of San Marcos, and there were fatalities also in the neighbouring region of Quetzaltenango.
Thousands of people lost their houses and were left without power.
President Perez Molina said 22 people were still missing.
Some 2,000 soldiers had joined hundreds of rescuers in the efforts to find survivors.
- BBC NEWS
Sunday, 11 November 2012
Strong quake hits central Myanmar, at least five dead
A map of the area where the quake struck. Credit: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
* Quake shallow but initial reports suggest damage light
* Five people reported dead, 19 injured
* Half-built bridge collapses on Irrawaddy River, workers missing
By Aung Hla Tun
YANGON, Nov 11 (Reuters) - A major earthquake hit central Myanmar on Sunday near Mandalay, its second-biggest city, but reports suggested damage was limited and officials contacted knew of only five dead, although several construction workers were missing.
The 6.6 magnitude earthquake struck around 60 km (37 miles) northwest of Mandalay, the U.S Geological Survey said. It was quite shallow at around 10 km (6 miles) deep.
"I've never felt such a strong tremor. I also heard some loud noises and the light went out. No idea about the damage," one Mandalay resident said by telephone.
Several very strong aftershocks hit the region but there were no reports of serious damage in Mandalay.
Residents in Bangkok, the capital of neighbouring Thailand, also felt the quake.
An official at Mandalay Meteorological Department said the epicentre was near the town of Shwebo and struck at 7:41 a.m. (0111 GMT).
Local media said a half-built bridge over the Irrawaddy River between Kyauk Myaung and Singgu had collapsed.
A police officer in Shwebo, the administrative centre, said one woman had died and 10 people had been injured in Kyauk Myaung.
"A house collapsed in Kyauk Myaung. The Radana Thinga Bridge, still under construction, over the river was badly damaged. A huge steel beam fell into the river and five workers went missing," he told Reuters.
A police officer in Singgu Township opposite Kyauk Myaung on the east side of the Irrawaddy told Reuters that four people had died there and another nine were injured in the earthquake.
"Those injured are not in a critical condition. We are still monitoring the damage and casualties in the environs," he said.
State television, the usual mouthpiece for government statements in Myanmar along with state-run newspapers, gave a report on the quake that did not mention casualties or damage.
Local media reported minor damage in several areas around Mandalay, including Amarapura, a town popular with tourists because of its monasteries and the longest teak bridge in the world. Pagodas had been damaged there, media said.
Myanmar is among Asia's poorest countries.
A quasi-civilian government has opened up the country since taking over in March 2011 from the military, which had ruled for nearly 50 years.
The military regime was condemned by humanitarian agencies in 2008 for initially refusing international help to cope with Cyclone Nargis, which killed more than 130,000 people.
President Barack Obama is set to become the first U.S. leader to visit Myanmar this month, the strongest international endorsement of the country's fragile democratic transition.
Obama will travel to Myanmar during a Nov. 17-20 tour of Southeast Asia that will also take in Thailand and Cambodia. It will be his first international trip since winning a second term last week.
Strong quake strikes Myanmar; no injuries reported
YANGON, Myanmar (AP) — A strong earthquake struck northern Myanmar on Sunday, causing residents to flee their homes, but no injuries or major damage were immediately reported.
An official from the Meteorological Department in Myanmar's capital, Naypyitaw, said the magnitude-6.8 quake struck at 7:42 a.m. local time with its epicenter near Shwebo, a town about 117 kilometers (72 miles) north of Mandalay, the country's second-largest city.
The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake's magnitude as 6.6 with a depth of just 10 kilometers (6 miles).
Residents of Mandalay who were contacted by phone said the quake was strong enough to send people dashing out of their homes for safety, as water splashed out of jars. They said they saw no major structural damage in their immediate neighborhoods, but added that it did cause cracks in some walls.
The epicenter of the quake is a region frequently hit by small temblors that usually cause little damage.
The Myanmar meteorological official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to release information to the media, said there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage. But he said the quake could cause damage to some of the old Buddhist temples and other structures associated with past kingdoms that are in the area.
The quake was also felt in Bangkok, the capital of neighboring Thailand. It comes just a week ahead of a scheduled visit to Myanmar by President Barack Obama. He will be the first U.S. president to visit the one-time pariah nation, which is emerging from decades of military rule.
- AP
An official from the Meteorological Department in Myanmar's capital, Naypyitaw, said the magnitude-6.8 quake struck at 7:42 a.m. local time with its epicenter near Shwebo, a town about 117 kilometers (72 miles) north of Mandalay, the country's second-largest city.
The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake's magnitude as 6.6 with a depth of just 10 kilometers (6 miles).
Residents of Mandalay who were contacted by phone said the quake was strong enough to send people dashing out of their homes for safety, as water splashed out of jars. They said they saw no major structural damage in their immediate neighborhoods, but added that it did cause cracks in some walls.
The epicenter of the quake is a region frequently hit by small temblors that usually cause little damage.
The Myanmar meteorological official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to release information to the media, said there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage. But he said the quake could cause damage to some of the old Buddhist temples and other structures associated with past kingdoms that are in the area.
The quake was also felt in Bangkok, the capital of neighboring Thailand. It comes just a week ahead of a scheduled visit to Myanmar by President Barack Obama. He will be the first U.S. president to visit the one-time pariah nation, which is emerging from decades of military rule.
- AP
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