Vanuatu: Earthquake - Nov 2002

A strong earthquake hit the northern province of Vanuatu, Torba, on Tuesday 28 November 2002 and affected Merelava in the South Banks Group. According to the United States Geological Survey, the earthquake measured 5.9 on the Richter scale. The earthquake damaged nearly 100 buildings including 3 churches and all 3 primary schools on the island. Normal water sources were underground wells, surface water catchment works, and household storage tanks; 23 out of 29 of these systems were reported to be destroyed or damaged. (OCHA, 11 Dec 2002)