Earthquake, Indonesia/Samoa

Not long ago, I have posted articles about the flood disaster, but now happened the earthquake， first took place at Samoa, then followed by Indonesia.

According to news reported, The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) said the 8.3-magnitude quake struck at a depth of 33km (20 miles), some 190km (120 miles) from Apia, generating 15ft (4.5m) waves in some areas of the islands. And small tsunamis reached areas as far away as New Zealand, Hawaii and Japan. And killing of at least 140 people. Separately a 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck a different fault line off the Indonesian island of Sumatra, killing hundreds of people. And was followed a day later by another 6.8 magnitude quake in the same region.

At Indonesia, the 7.6-magnitude quake, some 85km (55 miles) under the sea, struck close to the city of Padang, the capital of West Sumatra province, and at least 1,100 people have died, followed by a second quake of 6.8.

Tremors were felt in certain areas of Malaysia & Singapore. In George Town, people rushed out of several high-rise buildings in Macallum Street, Tanjung Bungah, Tanjung Tokong, Gurney Drive and the inner city of George Town. While in Johor Baru, many people rushed out of buildings and the new Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex halted operations abruptly and was evacuated for about 40mins.Mean while, in Singapore, residents from Toa Payoh, Woodlands, Bukit Timah, Simei and Kembangan in the eastern part, reported tremors shaking their buildings, according to The Straits Times.

Well, sad to know more and more disasters are happening nowadays. :(

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Samoa Simple Fact sheet:

• covers one-half of the route from Hawaii to New Zealand.
• total area: 2,860 km² land area: 2,850 km² comparative area: slightly smaller than Rhode Island
• population of 2007 stands at 214, 265
• Coastline: 403 km
• Climate: tropical; rainy season (October to March), dry season (May to October)
• three main industries are auto parts, building parts and food processing
• prime agricultural products are taro, coconuts, cocoa, bananas, coffee and yam
• languages are Samoan and English

Padang Simple Fact sheet:

• Population of 900,000, capital of West Sumatra province
• On coastal plain, surrounded by mountains inland
• Lies on one of world's most active fault lines
• The climate is hot, humid, and very wet, with the area receiving an average of more than 4,300mm (170in) of rain each year.
• has strong literary and musical traditions
• spicy cuisine consists of hot curries and other dishes served up in dozens of small bowls.
• most important businesses include textiles and rubber