The initial earthquake is now being reported by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) at Magnitude 8.9, making it one of the most powerful earthquakes in recorded history. In fact from what we are hearing, there has not been an earthquake like this since 1833. Needless to say, no one is around to remember anything.
The earthquake was felt where I live near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Several large buildings were evacuated this morning as a precautionary measure. I live near Shah Alam and watched as water moved in a glass on my desk. Needless to say, I was amazed. Never before has an earthquake like this been felt here in recent history.
The earthquake was felt where I live near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Several large buildings were evacuated this morning as a precautionary measure. I live near Shah Alam and watched as water moved in a glass on my desk. Needless to say, I was amazed. Never before has an earthquake like this been felt here in recent history.
Massive earthquakes followed by tsunamis hit Southeast Asia this morning. It will be several days before we even have an idea of what the damage and death toll will be. Many people were simply swept away. Below a photo of Phuket, Thailand hard hit.
This is now peak season in Phuket, Thailand and the beaches are crowded with mostly European visitors. Normally by 10 or 11 in the morning there is over 500 people on Patong beach alone all lounging in the sun along the beach.
Below is a closeup of part of Patong beach the main tourist area. The water went all the way upto Rat-U-Thit road. From there it start to go uphill and so this would have held back the water. There is a big supermarket and shopping centre where the KFC is, that is below ground level. Now completely underwater.
This is now peak season in Phuket, Thailand and the beaches are crowded with mostly European visitors. Normally by 10 or 11 in the morning there is over 500 people on Patong beach alone all lounging in the sun along the beach.
Below is a closeup of part of Patong beach the main tourist area. The water went all the way upto Rat-U-Thit road. From there it start to go uphill and so this would have held back the water. There is a big supermarket and shopping centre where the KFC is, that is below ground level. Now completely underwater.
News agencies are now estimating the death toll at over 6,000. We believe the death toll will approach at least 25,000 or more. The reason for this is simple. Many of the villages in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand have been completely cutoff from civilization. It will take several days before rescue teams can get to people.
UPDATE 4:11 AM - 3:11 Phuket Time
Just got off the phone with a friend in Phuket. Story as follows:
Tourists he spoke with were out in the surf at Patong beach just across from Bangla road when suddenly all the water was sucked out to the sea at least 100 meters leaving fish flopping on the sand and people stood confused wondering what had happened. Many of the Thai boys operating jet skis and such ran out to pick up the fish off the beach as all the water had receeded. In a few moments what was described as a roar and a giant wall of water over 10 meters high came headed toward the beach. People started running and many simply vanished into the sea.
Tonight the Army has moved in and has closed off the entire area to prevent looting. Looters are being warned they will be shot. Bodies are still being found. Total death toll now over 10,000 expected to rise much higher as more and more bodies are found.
In Malaysia, both Penang and Langkawi have been hardest hit.
Fifty-three dead, 34 missing after tidal waves hit Malaysia
Updating this as fast as I can - Check in later for more news.
UPDATE 4:11 AM - 3:11 Phuket Time
Just got off the phone with a friend in Phuket. Story as follows:
Tourists he spoke with were out in the surf at Patong beach just across from Bangla road when suddenly all the water was sucked out to the sea at least 100 meters leaving fish flopping on the sand and people stood confused wondering what had happened. Many of the Thai boys operating jet skis and such ran out to pick up the fish off the beach as all the water had receeded. In a few moments what was described as a roar and a giant wall of water over 10 meters high came headed toward the beach. People started running and many simply vanished into the sea.
Tonight the Army has moved in and has closed off the entire area to prevent looting. Looters are being warned they will be shot. Bodies are still being found. Total death toll now over 10,000 expected to rise much higher as more and more bodies are found.
In Malaysia, both Penang and Langkawi have been hardest hit.
Fifty-three dead, 34 missing after tidal waves hit Malaysia
Updating this as fast as I can - Check in later for more news.
What I am VERY worried about is what has happened to Diego Garcia island, which is in the path of the tsunamis that this massive undersea earthquake generated. I can imagine quite a lot of water damage to the island, to say the least. :-(
ReplyDeleteI myself have looked and found nothing on Diego Garcia, sorry. Much of the areas are still completely cutoff.
ReplyDelete