Where did I put the atlas? Here's a South Pacific Map:
Posted on 05/03/2006 6:52:23 PM PDT by Jedi Master Pikachu
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Last Updated: Wednesday, 3 May 2006, 18:22 GMT 19:22 UK E-mail this to a friend Printable version Tonga struck by strong earthquake A strong earthquake measuring 8.0 has rocked the Pacific island nation of Tonga, but initial fears that it might trigger a tsunami have receded.
The US Geological Survey said the quake was centred some 16km (10 miles) below the ocean floor about 160km (100 miles) north-east of the capital, Nuku'alofa.
It struck at 0426 local time (1526 GMT), the USGS said. There have been no reports of damage or injuries.
Tsunami alerts were issued across the region but were cancelled within hours.
The earthquake was rated as the strongest quake of 2006.
Brief alert
Experts at the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, based in Hawaii, revised initial estimates that a destructive wave could hit Tonga, Fiji, New Zealand, Samoa or Hawaii.
When I got up I felt the building swaying back and forth and it was for at least a minute that it went on like that Ron Vea Tonga Radio Sea level readings suggested that a small tsunami was generated, and authorities near the epicentre were warned to be on guard for rough seas.
But warnings of more serious waves were cancelled less than two hours after the quake struck.
Early estimates had suggested that Fiji could bear the brunt of any large tsunami.
Areas along New Zealand's coastline were also placed on high alert, although concerns eased as warnings were scaled down.
Experts say earthquakes as strong as magnitude 8.0 could trigger a lethal tsunami, depending on conditions and the nature of the quake.
Heavy shock
Initial reports from police in Tonga suggested the quake caused little damage to property and few injuries.
The owner of Tonga Radio, Ron Vea, told the BBC about the moment the earthquake struck.
"I was asleep and we are in an apartment building, two-storey apartment building, just across from the waterfront and then we felt the crackling sound, it's just a weird kind of a sound I haven't heard before.
"When I got up I felt the building swaying back and forth and it was for at least a minute that it went on like that."
Reports from the capital, Nuku'alofa, suggested heavy shaking and some potential damage to property. Other islands reported lesser shocks.
The previous biggest earthquakes in the Tonga region of the Pacific were a magnitude 6.7 in January 2004 and a 7.2 in January 2000.
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SEE ALSO: How earthquakes happen 22 Feb 05 | Science/Nature The tsunami disaster explained 30 Dec 04 | In Depth Country profile: Tonga 13 Feb 06 | Country profiles
RELATED INTERNET LINKS: Pacific Tsunami Warning Center US Geological Survey Government of Tonga The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites
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Ahhh, Jedi Master. This has already been posted.
Tonga? Where did I put that atlas.
Well shoot. I thought it was another one.
Near Samoa.
That's your bed frame cracking up and closet doors going off-track and the junk on your dresser falling off. I was sitting on the toilet at 4:30 AM when the 6.4 Northridge EQ hit. My first instinct was to climb out and find a wrench to turn off the gas mains, which were all sheared off and blowing gas all over that apartment building. Just a towel, a wrench, a flashlight and sneakers; which inspired others to do the same.
Every time I hear of an earthquake in Tonga, I worry about a Tsunami hitting Samoa.
Check out:
http://www.turtleandshark.com/
And click on the News link. Lots of news.
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