Study Shows that Boxing Day Tsunami hit both coasts of Canada

Waves from the Boxing Day tsunami in Southeast Asia late last year travelled tens of thousands of kilometres around the globe, eventually lapping at Canada's Atlantic and Pacific coasts several days later, an international report concludes. The waves that hit Halifax were less than half the size of a typical wave, but still higher than those that hit a small string of islands in the Indian Ocean directly south of the 9.0-magnitude earthquake, says the report, published yesterday in the on-line edition of the journal Science.

Waves from the Boxing Day tsunami in Southeast Asia late last year travelled tens of thousands of kilometres around the globe, eventually lapping at Canada's Atlantic and Pacific coasts several days later, an international report concludes. The waves that hit Halifax were less than half the size of a typical wave, but still higher than those that hit a small string of islands in the Indian Ocean directly south of the 9.0-magnitude earthquake, says the report, published yesterday in the on-line edition of the journal Science. Read More ....


(Source: The Globe and Mail)

FAQ: Interactive Maps

This weblog is designed as a research tool for people interested in current and past earthquake activity. The west coast of the United States is our main focus. However, we do special reports for significant earthquakes around the world.

OUR MAPS- We use Google Earth for our primary maps. Our earthquake maps are divided into three west coast regions:

• Southern California (31.5 37.0, -129.5 -114.0)
• Northern California(36.5 42.4, -129.5 -116.9)
• Oregon & Washington (41.9 49.2, -129.5 -115.7)

Watch for maps and lists in our special reports as well. Our special reports feature maps of significant earthquake events from all over the country and other parts of the world.

Earthquakes are plotted on these maps using a custom program created specifically for this project.

DATA
Earthquake data comes from various sources. The ANSS Composite Earthquake Catalog, is used for all regions. Southern California also uses data from the Southern California Earthquake Data Center. Northern California also uses data from the Northern California Earthquake Data Center.

The ANSS catalog uses composite data from several sources. To create a more complete report, we supplement this data with data from SCEDC and NCEDC. It's common to have the same earthquake listed twice with differing details. Our software eliminates these duplicates and uses the listing with the largest magnitude.

INTERACTIVITY
Our maps are interactive. You can click on larger quakes (usually 5.0+) to see a closer map of that specific area. These special maps are produced only for larger quakes that occur over land within the boundaries of the United States.

COLORS & SIZES
Earthquakes displayed on the maps are seen in various sizes and colors. The size of the quake icon refers to the magnitude of the earthquake. The color of the icon refers to the relative age of the earthquake.

The colors of the quakes is a question I am often asked. What do they mean? The colors of a quake represent the relative age of the quake. I know what you are thinking now, "so, what does THAT mean"? It's not a simple question to answer but I will try.

The color scheme always follows a yellow to red gradient. The very first earthquake to occur (within that dataset) will ALWAYS be yellow and the last quake to occur will ALWAYS be red. All other quakes will be colored based on where it falls on the timeline between the first and last quakes of the dataset.

The easiest way to explain this is to demonstrate a very small dataset. Lets say we are listing three quakes. The first quake occurred on Monday and is colored yellow. The last quake occurred on Wednesday and is colored red. The second quake occurred on Tuesday. This quake would be colored orange because orange is half red and half yellow. Now if the last quake occurred on Friday instead of Wednesday. The Tuesday quake would be more yellow than red because it is relatively older based on the data set.

A map that feauteres data for a full year (Jan thru Dec) will show quakes occuring early in the year as yellow, and red for quakes occuring later in the year.

Another way to look at the colors is to always remember that quakes that are of similar colors occurred around the same time. All quakes that occur on the same day will always be the same color (regardless of the dataset).

Creating a dynamic color scheme like this allows us to create some very unique and informative maps. Look at this example for instance. This map used a dataset that included only the 1971 San Fernando quake and aftershocks, and the 1994 Northridge quake and its aftershocks. It's now easy to distinguish which quake belongs to which event. This would be impossible if they were all the same color.

LISTS
Our maps will have an accompanying quake list which shows the Magnitude, Date, Time, location, and Depth of the quake.

All times are listed as UTC time.

The locations are determined using our own special software.

ARCHIVES
We are slowly working our way back in time to create maps and lists for previous years. We will go back as far as accurate records will allow.

SPECIAL REPORT: Hot Springs, North Carolina

At 11:09 PM local time on August 24, 2005 a minor earthquake struck near the North Carolina and Tennessee border. The quake measured 3.8 on the richter scale. No injuries have been reported, but minor damage has been reported in surrounding counties.

The quake was felt as far away as Atlanta, Georgia, about 170 miles away.

Although this may seem like an unusual location for earthquakes, minor quakes in this area are not uncommon. The U.S. Geological Survey reports that since at least 1776, people living inland in North and South Carolina, and in adjacent parts of Georgia and Tennessee, have felt small earthquakes and suffered damage from infrequent larger ones. The largest earthquake in the area (magnitude 5.1) occurred in 1916 . Moderately damaging earthquakes strike the inland Carolinas every few decades, and smaller earthquakes are felt about once each year or two.

To be more specific I have looked at an area within a 50 mile radius of this current quake. By looking at the map (1971 - 2005) to the right (click for larger view), you will see that this specific area has had it's share of small quakes.

Since 1971 This 100 mile area has seen 77 earthquakes at or above 2.0. A dozen of these quakes were 3.0 or larger. This most recent quake has been the largest.

CLICK HERE to see the complete list of all quakes shown on our map.

IS BAJA READY?

Those that study patterns of small earthquakes to help predict the next significant earthquake may want to take a look at Northern Baja California. The area in question is located about 45-50 south of the California border in central Baja California.

I have noted an area where five quakes have occurred over the last few weeks. I have compiled a 25-year list of earthquakes that have occurred within a 15 mile (26.5 km) radius of where these quakes have occurred. (NOTE: All quakes referenced in this report are of 3.0 or greater)

This area has a rich seismic history, but has been very quiet in recent years. Prior to these recent quakes, a 3.0 was recorded on December 13th of 2004.

This area has seen four earthquakes of 5.0 or higher in the last 25 years. The most recent was a 5.0 on 12/3/91. The other three were all 5.1 and they occurred on 8/31/88, 1/25/88 and 5/8/85. Three of the four had at least one notable foreshock.

The 5.0 of 12/3/91 had two quakes within about six weeks of the mainshock, but calling these foreshocks might be a stretch based on this data.

The 5.1 of 8/31/88 had a 3.3 foreshock four days prior and a two other small 3's within a few weeks.

The 5.1 of 1/25/88 saw seventeen foreshocks. Activity increased in August of 1987 and four significant foreshocks occurred within the month prior to the mainshock. Before August, the last quake was back at the end of January.

On May 8, 1985 there was a 3.3 foreshock followed by a 5.1 mainshock about two hours later.

Although having 4 quakes in this area in a short period of time is not unprecedented, it is something to keep an eye on. Larger quakes here tend to have foreshocks.

HERE is the complete list of quakes that was used for this report.

Progress

"I live for each day.." says Chandrika.. A woman in Hambantota who lost everything to the tsunami.. Her husband.. her children.. her mother.. her house.. everything.. She lives in a camp put up by Sewalanka. She broke down i asked her to recall what happened that fateful day.. She sleeps with pieces of her daughters' clothes, she found them at the site of the house.. it was all that was left.. she recently found photographs of her wedding which were partially destroyed stuck in a tree.. with no friends and no companions she struggles by each day by selling frozen drink packets to little kids at 1 rupee each.. She still hasn't received any help from the government..

Tony, as he is known to his friends, a muslim who had 3 children, a wife and all-in-all a happy ever after.. He worked in Saudi for a long time to earn to give his children a good education and a good life.. He was in the middle east on the 26th of December.. He got the news that his wife and children were missing and rushed back here but alas, all was lost.. He still walks around with a briefcase in which he carries all the documents of his children.. hoping someday to find them as their bodies were never found.. he recently had a dream that his youngest daughter had called to him to come and look for her near Colombo so he took the next bus to Colombo to look for her.. He says he needs to go abroad to get on with his life because everytime he sees a little girl he is reminded of his daughter.. The government hasn't given him any aid either..

I went to Hambantota a month ago and again this week again to check the progress.. I've been in Hambantota for the past 3 days and witnessed how people are being neglected and how the government isn't doing anything to help them.. there's alot of negativity towards the government at this very moment.. they gave them food stamps but most of the aid has been given by NGO's and as private donations.. I just want to raise the question of "where's all the money that was given to the government..???" "why is everything so stagnant...??" Just a plea to everybody to do whatever they can.. especially the governmnt.. all is not well...

And also this is a thank you to all that have done what they can.. Keep up the good work..!

A lady named Petronella Ballard whose been living in Sri Lanka for the past 31 years has joined with many interesting people to begin a project called SwimLanka. It's a project which teaches children to swim with the intention of helping them get over their fear of the sea and also to help them be prepared if any other disaster related to water happens.. Julian Bolling, a famous swimmer who is an asset to the country has trained youth in certain areas to coach the kids.. I went to Tangalle to see what it's like, just to get an idea of what it was like and was touched to see how much the kids enjoyed it and how much enthusiasm was extended to the programme by people from all over the world.. it was beautiful.. it's so wonderful to see the way the children laugh and the way the team works.. Thanks so much..

That's all for now.. will keep you updated.. Let's do something people!!


Keep it blogged...

SPECIAL REPORT: Japan 7.2

On August 16, 2005 at 11:46 AM (local time) a powerful 7.2 earthquake struck off the coast of Japan causing injury and damage in many areas.

As you can tell by the attached graphics, Japan is a very seismically active location.

The graphic above shows that the quake was centered offshore about 60 miles east of Sendai.

The graphic on the left shows all quakes above 5.0 that have occurred within 200 miles of this quake over the last year. CLICK HERE to see a list of all quakes shown on the map.


click on graphics for a larger view

Ernst & Young - Indonesia Develops Tsunami Accounting Software

Ernst & Young Indonesia has developed a 'Tool Kit' to help organizations that provide humanitarian aid to Tsunami victims, to establish proper systems of accountability and internal control. Adlair Goldberg, Ernst & Young, Jakarta, the author of the tool kit named as EYe Tool Kit explained the details of the tool kit at a brief seminar arranged in association with the Consortium for Humanitarian Agencies held at Ceylon Continental Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka, last week.

As part of Ernst and Young commitment to support the Tsunami Relief Efforts and to help provide transparency and accountability in this very important humanitarian mission, Golberg said, theErnst & Young has developed EYe Tool Kit as a resource to help providers establish adequate systems to accountability and internal control within their organizations.
He said that an NGO is required to get the resources needed the plans and budget to do a solid programme and experienced people, proper organization and support systems should be in place and there should be solid relationship with the community of which they serve.

Read More ....

(Source: Indonesia Tsunami Relief Portal)

Are Your Pets Ready for the Next Quake?

Everyone living in earthquake country is probably tired of hearing the phrase "Earthquake Preparedness". Hopefully we have not tuned out these words and have actually taken steps to protect ourselves and our property.

But what about our pets?

The good people over at The Pet Place have posted some great tips to help us prepare our pets for the next big earthquake.

It is vital that your pet be properly identified
This is especially important in time of an earthquake or other natural disaster when pets become frightened and run away. Be sure your pet has a collar and tag. In addition other methods of identification are available such as tattoos, or micro ID implants through such companies as AVID (714) 371-7505 for info. Remember, even inside pets need IDs in time of emergencies.

Keep pets in control so they won't bolt and run away
Keep leashes or harnesses handy. Cat owners should also have carrier ready. One note about pet carriers - the large, hard plastic types are much more durable, especially in protecting pets from falling debris from damaged structures, etc.

Have bottled water, dry food and/or canned food ready
These should be easily portable. Don't forget a can opener if you have canned food that doesn't pop open, it is a good idea to have a week's supply in both your house and car.

If your pet needs medication, be sure you have an extra supply on hand
and ready to take with you as needed. A blanket might also be useful as bedding for you pet if you are forced from your home.

Some pets will immediately hide when they are frightened
Be familiar with their special hiding places. It might be a good idea to have their favorite treat or food ready to coax them out. In case of dogs, having them trained will make it easier for them to respond to your commands.

If you have a first aid kit, look to see what also might be handy to treat your pet in case of injury
And you might also want to purchase a pet first aid book as a reference guide in case of earthquake or other emergency. Remember vets and emergency animal facilities probably won't be able to help you initially.

After-shocks are almost inevitable in case of an earthquake
So be prepared to help your pet through these.

Both you and your pet are going to be frightened
But try and do your best to remain as calm as possible so you can take care of the situation, and your pet. Keep your voice at a normal pitch and talk in comforting tones. Hold and caress your pet as a way of reassurance. You'll find that your pet will also help calm you.

Watch to see that your pet avoids contaminated water or items such as spilled anti-freeze
And watch out for frayed or downed electrical lines.

If your pet becomes lost
check with your local animal shelter as soon as the emergency allows this. In past emergencies in different part of the country it is surprising how many people forgot this first step in getting their pets back.

courtesy of www.thepetplace.org

GOAL revitalises Sri Lanka schools

GOAL is undertaking a schools rehabilitation programme in Ampara District, Sri Lanka. With a budget of $7.5m the project will take approximately one year to complete. Seven months after Sri Lanka's unprecedented tragedy of December 26th 2004, there are signs of a society slowly getting back on it's feet. Amid the destruction wrought by the tsunami the humanitarian agency GOAL is rehabilitating sixty-four schools in the underdeveloped and neglected eastern province of Ampara.

With a budget of $7.5m the project is GOAL's biggest ever single project. It will have a significant impact on the lives of over 31,000 school children in the hardest hit community on the island, where livelihoods and lives were swept away in the terrifying ordeal.

Work has already started in several locations, directed by Ailbhe Gerrard, a project manager from Coolbawn near Nenagh in Co. Tipperary, Ireland. "Three of the schools had been directly hit by the tsunami wave, the force had smashed buildings leaving roofs hanging precariously over space where walls used to be, quarter structures standing abandoned and foundations exposed. Sixty one schools had hosted the thousands of refugees for weeks and in some cases months. These people needed shelter and had broken locks to enter classrooms, burnt wooden furniture to cook and heat water. There was extensive damage to latrines, water pipes and electrical fittings. " Read More ....



(Source: AlertNet)

Drama group aids tsunami victim

A Sri Lankan teenager has spoken of how a drama group now performing at the Edinburgh Festival eased the trauma she suffered from 26 December's tsunami. Ruwani Sitara, 15, lost seven members of her family in the disaster.

She is now taking part in Children of the Sea - based on Shakespeare's Pericles - as part of the Fringe Festival at the Royal Botanic Garden. Drama organiser Anoja Weerasinghe said workshops had helped many children who became terrified of the sea. Read More ....

(Source: BBC News)

India: Rebuilding Tsunami Ravaged Infrastructure To Take 3 Yrs

Indian government on Tuesday said it would take nearly three years to rebuild tsunami-battered areas, as the killer waves had rendered certain coastal areas highly salinated making them unfit for cultivation, according to a news report by the Press Trust of India (PTI).

"The tsunami has rendered certain coastal areas highly salinated thereby making them unfit for cultivation," Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia said here after releasing a report on the calamity that struck several South Asian countries on December 26 last year.

"The government is trying its best to put life of the affected populace back on the rails," Ahluwalia said.

The report titled "Older People in tsunami: Challenges of Survival" prepared by the Helpage India noted that the fishing community was the worst-hit and that the agricultural land destroyed by salinity did not receive adequate attention. The Planning Commission Chairman said the government was making efforts to provide infrastructure of better quality like modern fishing harbours.

British Deputy High Commissioner Mark Runcares said his government has been extending financial assistance to the various NGOs for reconstruction of infrastructure. In course of its study, Helpage surveyed 856 old people, who said there were no specific component in the relief operations for them. Among the older victims of tsunami, 14 per cent of those surveyed were living alone, while two per cent had no income and eight per cent were unable to work. Three per cent respondents lost their assets and their entire family while four per cent lost their assets and young members of their family.



(Source: Malaysian National News Agency)

Tsunami alert system 'useless without communication'

A tsunami warning system will be fully operational in the Indian Ocean by July 2006, but it will be of little use unless nations in the region are ready to respond to its warnings, said participants at a conference in Perth, Australia, last Friday (5 August). The meeting, organised by the United Nations, gathered representatives of 27 countries at risk from future tsunamis in the Indian Ocean.

Those attending the Perth meeting agreed to add dozens of hi-tech seabed sensors and surface buoys to make tsunami detection faster and more precise. But accurate detection will only be valuable if warnings can be communicated to coastal communities and if authorities prepare evacuation plans. Read More ....

(Source: SciDevNet)

Hawaii study: Trees buffer tsunami impact

Planting trees and bushy plants between buildings and the ocean helped to lessen the impact of the waves when the Dec. 26 killer tsunami struck in the Maldives Islands, University of Hawaii researchers said. The observations by the UH researchers, who traveled to the Maldives about six weeks after the tsunami that killed about 180,000 people and left another 50,000 unaccounted for in 11 countries, could one day make hotels and other buildings in Hawaii safer. Read More ....



(Source: USA Today)