Russia/Japan: Earthquake/Tsunami - Oct 1994

A major earthquake has struck in the South Kurils on 04 Oct 1994 at 13.22 GMT (10.22 pm local time). The magnitude was computed at 8.2 on the Richter scale. Preliminary hypocentre for the earthquake was Kuril islands, latitude 44.0 degrees north, longitude 147.4 degrees east. The earthquake was followed by a tsunami that went through the Zeleny (green) island and covered it completely. Extent of affected area not yet determined as communications lines are interrupted. Reconnaissance by helicopter is hampered by stormy weather and poor visibility. Information from affected area is scarce, but Russian Federation reports that electricity and gas supply systems are seriously damaged, that a gas pipeline has been ruptured and is on fire, and that hospitals are destroyed. Number of casualties confirmed by Russian Federation: 140 dead, one seriously injured. On the island swept over by the tsunami, there was a border guards' station and a small fishing base. The fate of the people on the island is unknown.

Damage to buildings and port facilities reported in the city of Nemuro in Hokkaido, Japan. 180 people reported injured in Japan. (UN DHA, 5 Oct 1994)

The impact of the disaster as of 14 October 1994 was: 11 dead, 32 seriously injured, 210 slightly injured, 2100 made homeless, 111 buildings completely destroyed. All piers and moorages destroyed in yuzhno-kurilsk town. More than 100 houses damaged in Malo-Kurilsk village. School completely destroyed, and kindergarten damaged, in Krabozavodsk village. 34 border guards stations (147 buildings) damaged. Electricity, gas supply and communications systems are seriously damaged.

As of 18 October 1994, EMERCOM relief operation is still in progress, the situation being worsened by aftershocks, drop in temperature and stormy weather. (UN DHA, 19 Oct 1994)