Powerful Earthquake off Nias Island, Indonesia, 290 killed, 8.7 magnitude

Main Category: Aid / Disasters
Article Date: 29 Mar 2005 - 0:00 PDT

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Indonesia has been rocked by a massive earthquake, measuring 8.7 on the Richter scale. According to official figures, 290 people have so far been killed. The earthquake took place off Nias Island just before midnight, Monday.

The earthquake was so powerful that more than half of the buildings in Gunungsitoli town fell down.

Authorities are concerned for the people buried under the rubble.

Nias Island suffered badly as a result of the earthquake/tsunami that struck on 26 December last year.

What is the Richter Scale?
Nevada Seismological Laboratory

Seismologists use a Richter Scale to express the seismic energy released by each earthquake. For example:

Less than 3.5
Generally not felt, but recorded.

3.5-5.4
Often felt, but rarely causes damage.

Under 6.0
At most slight damage to well-designed buildings. Can cause major damage to poorly constructed buildings over small regions.

6.1-6.9
Can be destructive in areas up to about 100 kilometers across where people live.

7.0-7.9
Major earthquake. Can cause serious damage over larger areas.

8 or greater
Great earthquake. Can cause serious damage in areas several hundred kilometers across.

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