Kindgo
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Weekend News Today
Lead: Faith
Source: USGS
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Tue Sep 10,2002 -- A major earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale has hit the coastal waters north of Papua New Guinea. Initial unconfirmed reports said at least 4 people were killed and some coastal houses were destroyed. About 20,000 in the provincial capital Wewak have been left without water. A surprising quake of similar size in 1998 caused a tsunami, or wave surge, which hit the shore killing over 2,000 people. This current quake sparked a smaller tidal wave, which washed 10-15 metres (30-50 feet) inland, and knocked some coastal houses off their stilts, according to officials in Wewak. The Prime Minister Michael Somare was at home in Wewak at the time but was not harmed, according to a local official. The earthquake took place at 0444 local time (1844 GMT Sunday), with an epicentre 95km (60 miles) NW of Wewak. At least 2 smaller islands off Wewak's NW coast, Walis and Tarawi, were also affected.
The earthquake took place in an area of fairly shallow waters. It was also reported to be centred about 50km (30 miles) deep, which would reduce its impact on the surrounding sea and land. It often takes several days to comprehend the full extent of casualties and damage following a disaster in the impoverished South Pacific nation. This earthquake follows a series of natural disasters to hit Mr Somare's cash-strapped government since he came to office last month. Last month several thousand people fled their homes due to a volcano eruption on New Britain Island, and last week officials warned that a drought is threatening the nation.
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God bless,
Kindgo
Inside the will of God there is no failure. Outside the will of God there is no success.
Posts: 4320 | From: Sunny Florida | Registered: Jun 2002
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