1992 Flores earthquake and tsunami
   | |
| UTC time | 1992-12-12 05:29:26 |
|---|---|
| ISC event | 257091 |
| USGS-ANSS | ComCat |
| Local date | December 12, 1992 |
| Local time | 13:29 WITA (Indonesia Central Standard Time) |
| Magnitude | 7.8 Mw |
| Depth | 27.7 km (17.2 mi) |
| Epicenter | 8°28′48″S 121°53′46″E / 8.480°S 121.896°E[1] |
| Areas affected | Flores Indonesia |
| Max. intensity | MMI VIII (Severe)[2] |
| Tsunami | Yes |
| Casualties | Approximately 2,500 dead and 500 injured.[1] |
The 1992 Flores earthquake and tsunami occurred on December 12 on the island of Flores in Indonesia. With a magnitude of 7.8 and a maximum Mercalli intensity of VIII (Severe), it was the largest and also the deadliest earthquake in 1992 and in the Lesser Sunda Islands region. The earthquake was caused by slip on the Flores Thrust fault. This fault dips to the south underneath Flores Island. The epicenters of most earthquakes on the Flores Thrust are on Flores island.
Description
The quake hit at 13:29:26
Tsunami
Wave run-up heights of 3–4 m (9.8–13.1 ft) occurred along the eastern coast of Maumere. The maximum run-up height was measured at Riangkroko village at 26 m (85 ft); the tsunami killed 137 villagers. Located along the Nipah River, the tsunami traveled 600 m (2,000 ft) inland. It washed away the whole village and stripped away coconut trees, leaving only roots. In another village 6 km (3.7 mi) north, Bou-Tanabeten, the tsunami run-up was 12 m (39 ft). Along other tsunami-hit locations, most trees remained standing. At Wuhring, a village 5 km (3.1 mi) from Maumere, 3 m (9.8 ft) waves swept through the village and killed 100 people. On Babi Island, the tsunami left human remains hanging on trees; 263 deaths occurred on the island and two villages were badly damaged. The maximum run-up on the island was recorded at 7.3 m (24 ft). Wave reflection effect off Flores Island may have partly contributed to the tsunami's destructive effects on Babi Island.[4]
Relief efforts
The Indonesian government sent rescue and relief missions to earthquake-stricken areas and declared the earthquake a national disaster.[3] The Indonesian air force provided assistance, mostly transporting medicine and clothing.[3] Malaria and influenza rose significantly after the disaster.[3] Babi Island survivors were evacuated since all the houses on the island were demolished.[3] International relief efforts were hindered by the onset of the rainy season.[3]
The Indonesian Government also requested assistance from the international community. Agencies such as the Asian Development Bank in Asia along with the World Bank, the Australian Agency for International Development, the Japanese Overseas Cooperation Fund, and others, made a coordinated effort to support reconstruction. Each agency concentrated on sectors and locations in which it had experience.[5]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e f g Significant Earthquakes of the World in 1992 Archived 2009-09-12 at the Wayback Machine United States Geological Survey
- ^ USGS (December 1, 2008), EXPO-CAT Earthquake Catalog, Version 2007-12, United States Geological Survey
- ^ United Nations Department of Humanitarian Affairs
- .
- ^ Some details are provided in Asian Development Bank, Project Performance Audit Report on the Flores Emergency Reconstruction Project, October 2000.
External links
- The International Seismological Centre has a bibliography and/or authoritative data for this event.