This has been a week of disasters. In the last 48 hours we saw 2 powerful undersea earthquakes erupting, one of which was accompanied by a tsunami. Earlier we also saw a powerful typhoon striking five countries.
First off, a powerful 7.6 magnitude undersea earthquake struck Indonesia, with Padang in Sumatra most badly affected. Initial reports say more than 100 people died when houses and other infrastructure collapsed in Padang, and several fires broke out as well. Indonesian officials estimate that more than 1,000 people may have lost their lives. A tsunami warning was issued, but later withdrawn.
Indonesians are generally used to earthquakes, since the country sits in a region known as the Pacific Ring of Fire. It was another undersea earthquake off Aceh in December 2004 that triggered a tsunami which claimed close to a quarter of a million lives in several countries. But observers have described this latest earthquake as “unusually destructive”. Indeed several major structures such as bridges, hotels, an entire hospital and the roof of Padang’s airport are thought to have collapsed, potentially killing hundreds.
Danny Hilman Natawidjaja, a geologist at the Indonesian Science Institute warned in February this year: “Padang sits right in front of the area with the greatest potential for an 8.9 magnitude earthquake”. He also warned that the entire city of Padang could drown in a tsunami caused by such a massive quake.
There are 3 volcanos in Sumatra, and the fear is that this latest massive quake could trigger volcanic eruptions.
Earlier, another undersea earthquake measuring around magnitude 8.0 struck near the Pacific Island of Samao (located mid way between New Zealand and Hawaii). Almost without warning, huge tsunami waves 15 to 20 feet (4 to 6 meters) high roared ashore on Samoa, neighbouring American Samoa and Tonga. American Samoa resident Frances Faumatu described the situation to CNN: “All of a sudden we heard on the radio everybody had to run for safety. Right after the quake, the tsunami came.”
The tsunami waves continued on to reach as far as Japan, located 5,000 miles (7,500 km) away. The massive destruction caused by the undersea earthquake and the tsunami in the pacific islands have caused US President Barack Obama to declare a major disaster for the US territory of American Samao, ordering federal aid to supplement local efforts.
Initial casualties in the 3 pacific islands of Samao, American Samao and Tonga numbered in excess of 111, and this number is expected to rise in the days to come as rescue efforts continue.
A few days earlier Typhoon Ketsana (known locally in the Philippines as ”Ondoy”) struck somewhat unexpectedly at Manila, the capital of the Philippines. In a span of 6 hours, more rain fell over Manila than the normal rainfall for a full month. Massive flooding caused heavy damage to property and the death toll was around 246 dead, and the number is still rising. The Philippines has asked for international aid.
Typhoon Ketsana continued on to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand, where it was downgraded to a tropical storm. At least 50 people died in these countries.
Think about it. Salamo Laumoli, director of health services at a hospital in American Samao said: “I thought it was the end of the world. I have never felt an earthquake like that before.” Is there going to be an end to this world? If so, how is it going to end? By a massive global flood triggered by earthquakes on land and undersea, powerful rain from the likes of Typhoon Ketsana, and volcanic eruptions on land and undersea? Which is more likely? Destruction of the world by water or by fire, caused by a nuclear war? And will there be any survivor?
Earlier posts
Earthquake in Java
More Earthquakes Hit Indonesia
Earthquake In Java – Wakeup Call
It is good to hear that super typhoon Parma…did not hit manila…though more flooding expected…