After the earthquake tsunami sparks panic
by Linda Edwards – The Panick of the residents of Vanuatu are heading for higher ground after a powerful earthquake rattled the South Pacific island nation and generated a small tsunami.
The 9 inch/22cm wave was observed off the capital Port Vila, of the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said.
Police authority said there were no immediate reports of major damage or injuries from the wave or the 7.5 magnitude quake which preceded it, although buildings shook and power lines were down.
Ben McKenzie, of the New Zealand High Commission, said:”It was quite a significant earthquake, and we’re still having a few aftershocks.”
The US Geological Survey said: The earthquake hit about 25 miles/40km north-west of Port Vila at a depth of 22 miles/ 35km.
John Frat the Police spokesman said to officials had not received any reports of injuries or major damage, but described it as “a very sharp quake – it was the worst I have felt in my life”.
John also added: “Many people left the centre of town and went to higher places, fearing a tsunami. We’re still experiencing sharp aftershocks and all communications were lost for a time, but things are coming back to normal now.”
Mr McKenzie, First Secretary at the New Zealand diplomatic post said: The building housing the New Zealand High Commission suffered some damage, he also added: office shelves and ceiling tiles fell down and computers were “thrown across the office” by the jolt
Mr. McKenzie said: “We’re trying to ensure everybody is safe and we’re evacuating the building” to check that it is not “structurally damaged.”
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