Eruptions near PNG

Volcanic eruptions on PNG’s Ritter Island have caused widespread panic of another Tsunami for the region in less than a month. Locals reported loud rumbling, violent shaking, smoke clouds, a rise in the sea level and wave surges following the eruption.

“1 500 to 2 000 people have fled to higher ground in fear,” said Morobe Province disaster and emergency director Roy Kamen.

Aftershocks measured 5.0 on the Richter Scale. ”Minor eruptions occurred on the 140m high uninhabited Ritter Island in 1972 and 1974. In 1888 half the island collapsed in an eruption that triggered massive tsunamis that claimed an estimated 3000 lives on surrounding islands and the PNG mainland“.

There have been no reports of casualties yet, however four houses and a boat have been destroyed by wave surges.

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 22nd, 2007 at 11:15 am and is filed under Earthquakes. You can feed this entry. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.