Live Seismograms - Worldwide (update every 30 minutes)
This morning -
5.0 NORTH INDIAN OCEAN
Yesterday -
4/21/12 -
5.2 OFF W COAST OF NORTHERN SUMATRA
5.6 NEAR N COAST OF PAPUA, INDONESIA
6.6 NEAR N COAST OF PAPUA, INDONESIA
5.0 FIJI REGION
5.1 SOUTHEAST OF LOYALTY ISLANDS
5.3 CENTRAL PERU
5.0 KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION
5.0 SOUTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
4/20/12 -
5.8 OFF W COAST OF NORTHERN SUMATRA
5.5 OFF W COAST OF NORTHERN SUMATRA
5.6 OFF W COAST OF NORTHERN SUMATRA
5.2 OFF W COAST OF NORTHERN SUMATRA
Indonesia - An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.6 struck eastern Indonesia on Saturday off Irian Jaya. The quake struck at 10:16 am at a depth of 30 kilometres, 83 kilometres southeast of Manokwari, New Guinea island. The quake had no tsunami potential. The powerful earthquake sent residents and school children running into the streets in panic. There were no reports of injuries or serious damage.
Indonesia - The two last giant quakes here occurred around 1393 and 1450. The 2004 quake may be just the first part of a similar couplet of two closely spaced quakes. Stresses loading up on the fault for centuries were relieved only partly by the quake eight years ago.
Swarm of small quakes in Othello, Western Washington - Two small earthquakes were reported near Othello this week as part of a swarm of quakes in mostly Western Washington. But nearly all of them have been too small for most people to notice.
TSUNAMI / FREAK WAVES / ABNORMAL TIDES -
Geologists believe a tsunami recorded by the ancient historian Herodotus did indeed protect a Greek village from Persian invaders. The scientists warn the area may experience another massive marine event. They say they have found evidence in northern Greece that the event in 479 BC saved the village of Potidaea. Herodotus recorded that huge waves had killed hundreds of Persian soldiers during the siege of the village. The scientists say that northern coastal regions should be included among the Greek regions prone to tsunamis. It is usually the southern coast of Greece which is identified as a risk area. Greek geophysicists say earthquakes pose a much greater threat to the country than tsunamis. "We have found several historic tsunamis on the coast. That means there is a certain risk for the coastal areas."Sediment on the northern Greek peninsula where Potidaea and the modern town of Nea Poteidaia are located shows signs of massive marine events, such as large waves. Excavations in the suburbs of the nearby ancient city of Mende uncovered sea shells likely to have been lifted from the ocean bed and tossed about during a tsunami. Herodotus records: "Then there came upon them [the Persians] a great flood-tide of the sea, higher than ever before, as the natives of the place say, though high tides come often. So those of them who could not swim perished, and those who could were slain by the men of Potidaia who put out to them in boats." (map)
TROPICAL STORMS
No current tropical storms.
HEALTH THREATS -
Vietnam seeks foreign help to beat mystery skin disease - The skin infection has already killed 19 people. The mystery illness was first reported between April and December 2011 and then subsided, but broke out again last month. More than 170 people in the country's central province of Quang Ngai have reported symptoms. The disease begins with a rash on the hands and feet: it can progress to liver problems and multiple organ failure. Vietnamese health ministry tests have failed to pinpoint the cause. "This disease is challenging as we have not identified the root causes. If it is just an external skin disease why is it causing deaths and failures inside internal organs?" Medics say early intervention is key to treat the mystery infection successfully. Officials in Quang Ngai said that the condition might be caused by chemicals.
RECALLS:
M.E. Thompson, Inc. is expanding the recall of its Anytime Deli Turkey & Ham Footlong, to include Italian Footlong, and Classic Cuban, because the products have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria Monocytogenes.