Sumatra Indonesia Earthquake September 30, 2009
Magnitude 7.6 Quake With Epicenter 30 Miles From Padang Indonesia
Sep 30, 2009
The Sumatra earthquake struck at 5:16 pm on September 30, 2009 and most damage occurred in the city of Padang, the capital of West Sumatra province in Indonesia. Another tremor registering a magnitude of 5.5 was recorded approximately six miles north of Padang at 6:38 pm.
The impact of the Sumatra earthquake was felt as far away as Malaysia and Singapore. Office buildings swayed and frightened occupants were evacuated into the streets. A tsunami warning was issued but was later cancelled.
It is feared that the Sumatra earthquake and aftershocks could trigger eruptions in any of the three volcanoes in West Sumatra, which are named Merapi, Talang and Tandikat.
Cause of the 2009 Sumatra Earthquake
The Sumatra earthquake occurred at a fault line where the Australian plate is moving under (subducting) the Sunda plate. This zone is very active and a segment that cracked in December 2004 was the cause of the disastrous Indian Ocean Tsunami.
Damage Caused by the 2009 Sumatra Earthquake
At the time of writing, the death toll has not been finalized but it is believed to be approximately 200 people to date. Thousands of people are still trapped under collapsed buildings.
In a news report by Muhammad Fitrah/Singgalang Newspaper/Reuters featured in the Times Online, it was stated, “The head of Indonesia’s Health Ministry crisis division estimated that the annihilation of several large office buildings in Padang, which is home to nearly 1 million people, could push the toll well above 1,000. “
A landslide on the highway north of Padang destroyed three cars. Many houses along the highway had collapsed and fires were spreading. This highway is the main road into Padang.
It is reported that several schools and two hospitals, along with some hotels, churches and bridges have collapsed. The roof of Padang’s International airport also caved in. Many houses and stores have been reduced to piles of rubble. There are fires throughout the city.
Communication lines were down so reporting of the earthquake has been slow or delayed. There are reports of several fires in Padang and broken water pipes causing flooding.
Rescue efforts are expected to begin October 1st and will by challenged by heavy rains, fires, flooding and power outages.
Update on Sumatra Earthquake October 1, 2009
In a report by CBC News, there is an updated death toll. " At least 1,100 people have died as a result of earthquakes that have struck Indonesia over the past two days, a UN official said. John Holmes, the UN's humanitarian chief, said he feared thousands more victims are trapped in rubble."
Related Articles on Earthquakes in Indonesia
Indonesia Earthquake September 2, 2009: Death Toll Over 57 From a Magnitude 7.0 Quake - A strong earthquake on September 2, 2009 struck west Java, Indonesia. Effects were felt in Jakarta and Bali. A tsunami warning was issued but cancelled an hour later.
Samoa Earthquake and Tsunami September 29, 2009: The 8.0 Magnitude Quake Triggered Waves That Killed over 170 People. An early morning offshore earthquake on September 29, 2009 in the Samoa Islands caused a tsunami that brought death and destruction to American Samoa, Samoa and Tonga.
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