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1998 Papua New Guinea
earthquake
 |
| Date |
July 17,
1998 (1998-07-17) |
| Magnitude |
7.1 Mw |
Countries/
regions affected |
Papua New
Guinea |
| Casualties |
at least 2,200[1] |
The 1998 Papua New Guinea earthquake was a
magnitude 7.1 earthquake that took place in the early evening of
Friday, 17 July 1998. The earthquake struck the north coast region of
Papua New
Guinea, 25 km (16 mi) from
the coast near Aitape, and
caused a large undersea landslide, which in turn caused a tsunami that hit the coast,
killing more than 2200 people.
Effects
The tsunami resulted in at least 2,200 people being killed,
thousands being injured, about 9,500 homeless and about 500
missing.[1]
The maximum height of the waves were estimated at being 15 m (49 ft) high
with an average height of 10.5 m (34 ft).[1][2]
The area worst hit was a 30 km (19 mi)
coastal strip running north-west from Aitape to the village of
Sissano. Several villages in the path of the tsunami were
completely destroyed and others extensively damaged. The village of
Arop was situated on a narrow spit between the coast and Sissano
lagoon. It was directly in the path of the tsunami and was worst
hit.
Seismology
Computer modelling of the earthquake and resulting landslide
The earthquake occurred at 6:49pm local time (UTC+10) along the boundary of
the Australia and the Pacific tetonic plates at 2°58′S 141°55′E / 2.96°S
141.92°E / -2.96; 141.92. The
result from the event was originally thought to have created a
two-metre vertical drop in the Pacific Plate along a 40 km (25 mi) long
crack.[3] This
was later revised to the tsunami actually being attributed to a
massive underwater landslide.[4]
The cause of the tsunami from the landslide has changed
perceptions from scientists about small earthquakes generating
undersea landslides, and made them realise that undersea landslides
are more of a hazard, as they cause 'surprise' tsunamis, as there
is less warning of an undersea landslide than an undersea
earthquake, which is normally felt by people on land, and detected
by the Pacific Tsunami Warning
Center. This has made them revaluate the tsunami risk around
the world.
Aid
response
Immediately after the tsunami the Royal Australian Air Force
flew in three C-130 Hercules transport planes with
relief supplies.[5]
In the days following more relief was flown in and a field hospital
was set up in the neighbouring town of Vanimo.[5]
See also
References
Further
references
Coordinates: 2°58′S 141°55′E / 2.96°S
141.92°E / -2.96;
141.92
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