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New Zealand's Biggest City Could Be Tsunami Target: Scientist
Auckland (AFP) Sep 27, 2005 New Zealand's biggest city Auckland could be struck by a tsunami from the north with little or no warning, a scientist has warned. The city of around 1.2 million was vulnerable to tsunamis caused by undersea volcanic activity to the north near Fiji and earthquake activity in the Tonga-Kermadec trench to the northeast and from South America in the east, Dr James Goff told emergency managers in Auckland Monday. There had been a "worryingly quiet" phase since 1.8 metre (six foot) waves hit Auckland in the 19th century, the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research scientist said. Sri Lanka, which was devastated by the Asian tsunami on December 26 last year, was similar to many places in New Zealand in having a long narrow stretch of exposed coast. Goff said his investigations showed large waves of more than five metres (16.4 feet) in New Zealand during the 13th century and 15th century, including one in the far north of the country which was 32 metres above sea level. He said a tsunami from the direction of Fiji could be particularly damaging because the Hauraki Gulf, around which Auckland is built, would act as a funnel. "Fiji is four hours by tsunami and we might not know that it's coming." The Auckland Regional Council said a modelling project should start later this year to help understand which areas would be worst affected by tsunamis. CommunityEmail This Article Comment On This Article Related Links SpaceDaily Search SpaceDaily Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express Tectonic Science and News
Powerful Earthquake Causes Panic In South Asia
Jalalabad, Afghanistan (AFP) Dec 13, 2005A strong tremor triggered panic Tuesday among survivors of October's earthquake disaster in South Asia, forcing people out of temporary shelters and into the freezing Himalayan winter. |
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