Indonesia: Earthquake/Tsunami - Oct 1994

On 9 October 1994, at 4.44 hrs local time, an earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale hit north Maluku. The Indonesian Meteorology and Geophysics Institute informs that the epicentre was located in the Obi Strait (1.14 degrees latitude south and 128.05 degrees longitude east) near Obi Island, 220 km south of Ternate, the district capital of North Maluku. Depth of the earthquake: 35 km. The earthquake was immediately followed by tidal waves of three metres height which affected six villages in obi island. The local authorities reported the following preliminary data on casualties and damage: 1 dead, 12 severely injured and 40 slightly injured; 113 houses severely damaged and 364 slightly damaged; 2 health centres slightly damaged; some damage also reported to bridges and piers, elementary schools, village offices, mosques and churches. (UN DHA, 10 Oct 1994)