1992 Indonesia earthquake

Earthquake
title=1992 Indonesia earthquake
date= December 12, 1992


magnitude = 7.8 M_w [http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/eqarchives/significant/sig_1992.php Significant Earthquakes of the World in 1992] "United States Geological Survey"]
depth=convert|28|km|mi|0
location=coord|8.480|S|121.896|E
countries affected = flag|Indonesia
casualties = Approximately 2,500 dead and 500 injured.The 1992 Indonesia earthquake occurred on December 12, 1992 on the island of Flores in Indonesia. It was followed by several serious aftershocks and was the largest earthquake of 1992.

Description

The quake hit at 05.29 UTC and was followed by several serious aftershocks. [http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/OCHA-64BHB5?OpenDocument Reports 1 - 9] "United Nations Department of Humanitarian Affairs"] At least 2,500 people were killed or missing near Flores, including 1,490 at Maumere and 700 on Babi. More than 500 people were injured and 90,000 were left homeless. Nineteen people were killed and 130 houses were destroyed on Kalaotoa. Damage was asessed at exceeding US$100 million. Approximately 90 percent of the buildings were destroyed at Maumere, the hardest hit town, by the earthquake and ensuing tsunami while 50 to 80 percent of the structures on Flores were damaged or destroyed. Electricity in the general area and the port of Maumere was shut down. Maumere's hospital was completely destroyed, and patients were treated in tents. Damage also occurred on Sumba and Alor.

Tsunami

The tsunami on Flores ran inland as far as 300 meters with wave heights of 25 meters.

Relief efforts

The Indonesian government sent rescue and relief mission to earthquake stricken areas and declared the earthquake a national disaster. The Indoneesian air force provided additional assistance, mostly transporting medicine and clothing. Malaria and influenza rose significantly after the disaster. Babi Island survivors were evacuated since all the houses on the island were demolished. International relief efforts were hindered by the onset of the rainy season.

References