Oh Dang, Another Quake!
Beep. Just happen to hear that an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 8.5 hit off the Sumatran cities of Padang and Medan a whlie ago (23:15 local time). The quake considered to be the largest of seven grades was known to have its epicentre located at about 200 km (125 miles) off the mainland Indonesia. According to the US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center the quake could cause a "widely destructive tsunami" making a possible repeat of last December.
Warnings have been issued all along the Indian Ocean, including Sri Lanka. The local news however hasn't reported anything yet. At least not any that I have heard or seen. The alerts have specifically stated that the Authorities should take immediate action regardless of the nature of the expected tsunami.
It's almost midnight in most parts of the Indian Ocean and if the quake has triggered tsunamis it'll take at least 3 to 4 hours to reach the neaby coastal areas. Under these conditions it would be a very hard task to make the alert spread around the weakest areas. Most of the residents are obviously in bed. But over here I doubt there are any beds left as many are still suffering from the grievous loss they had to undergo after the last tsunami that struck the island.
Three months after a major multi-national disaster, we are almost at the brink of another. I hope and pray that all measure can be taken in due time to avoid any devastation that might be impending upon our nations. If you happen to live across the region please spread the message in anyway you can.
Naz 
Monday, March 28, 2005 | 
Comments (5)
Comments
Oh my God! I just switched on the tv and it seems to be true. Has anyone spotted the tsunami waves so far? this is terrible.
Got the news too. they say there is good chance of another tsunami. its quite obvious that the evacuation process is gonna be a major effort. stay on tight my friend. lets hope it doesn't get repeated again.
Well, I don't think anyone can spot waves moving through the ocean specially at this dark hour. However it's obvious that the neaby coastal areas would pass the message to the rest of the reigion. Many over here does not expect any waves to hit, but thats exactly what they said last time too.
Btw, BBC just reported about some destruction in Nias Island west off Sumatra possibly caused by the quake.
Well, thank God I'm begining to feel the region is in a quite safe position now. It's been several hours since the quake and there aren't any reports of tsunamis caused around the area.
The only deaths reported were from the Nisa Island, quite closer to the epicentre of the quake. According to what I know the island has structures that are built to withstand earthquakes, even larger scale ones. But some how this one had caused several buildings to collapse, therefore causing dozens of deaths. Information has been hardly flowing in due to the remoteness of the island, however, we are to know the exact damdges after sunrise which is a few more hours away from now.
The quake itself, revised to a magnitude of 8.7 in the ritcher scale is now expected to trigger tsunamis, if any, more towards the south of Sumatra. That would expose islands like Mauritius where residents have been actively involved in the evacuation process ever since the alert was released. It's still only a possiblity, but would take more time to know clearly whether there were any actual waves generated by the quake.
Here in Sri Lanka, even though we have reached the time that we would have most likely expected a wave to hit, many have aleady fled their houses finding shelter in safe grounds. Some have left the coastal areas entirely. It would once again be a playground for looters if their willing to take the chance, but I'm hoping security has been put in place to maintain order. The situation in Colombo however is more calm, as residents are more vigilant, keeping in touch with the media and the beach, focusing on whether the tide is receding as a sign of the waves. What's important is that the warning had been heard clearly and proven quite effective among an already shattered population. Their message is clear; They never want to see another tsunami in their lifetime.
yes, thats a relief indeed. I think im pretty sure India is safe. all our neighbourhood was up all night. I dont think we'll sleep till we have some confirmation. I hope it ends well.
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