False Alarm nothing to see here folks!!!

[Timulty]

I hope no one is living in the vicinity of Fiji or New Zealand:

Per CNN:

-- Tsunami warnings issued for Fiji and New Zealand after earthquake measuring a magnitude of about 8.0 shakes southern Pacific Ocean.

[comicseekers-migration]

I hope no one is living in the vicinity of Fiji or New Zealand:

Per CNN:

-- Tsunami warnings issued for Fiji and New Zealand after earthquake measuring a magnitude of about 8.0 shakes southern Pacific Ocean.

 

8.0

[DKB]

And watch out for falling rock stars.

[FlyingDonut]

New Zealand Herald:

 

Quake and tsunami near Tonga

 

UPDATED 6.55am Thursday May 4, 2006

Refresh this page for latest updates

 

A 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck central Tonga this morning, creating a local tsunami which may have caused damage.

 

Although there are no reports from Tonga so far, a small tsunami of less than half a metre was observed at Niue (east of Tonga) and at Pago Pago in American Samoa (north of Tonga).

 

There were initial warnings that a tsunami could affect New Zealand, Fiji and Hawaii, but all warnings have now been cancelled.

 

It was not immediately clear what damage was caused by the quake but a report on Sky Television said it was felt in several Tongan islands. A resident told Sky he felt tremors lasting over 30 seconds.

 

The quake hit 170km northeast of the Tongan capital Nuku'alofa at 3.26am (NZT), at a depth of 38km, the New Zealand Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences (GNS) said.

 

The epicentre was near the Ha'apai islands in central Tonga, approximately 2150km northeast of Auckland.

 

The quake was reported by GNS as magnitude 8.1, but the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre in Hawaii later said it measured 7.8 on the Richer scale.

 

The Tsunami Warning Centre issued warnings for countries in the region at 3.42am, saying at the time it did not know whether the quake actually generated a tsunami. If it did, it could have hit Fiji at 5.13am and Gisborne at 6.21am.

 

The Centre later cancelled all warnings, and said New Zealand would likely experience half-metre swells only.

 

Niue registered a 0.21m wave at 4.03am and Pago Pago registered a 0.15m wave at 4.36am, according to data on the Tsunami Warning Centre website.

 

A message posted on the website at 5.36am said:

 

"Sea level readings indicate a tsunami was generated. It may have been destructive along coasts near the earthquake epicentre. For those areas - when no major waves are observed for two hours after the estimated time of arrival or damaging waves have not occurred for at least two hours then local authorities can assume the threat is passed.

 

"Danger to boats and coastal structures can continue for several hours due to rapid currents. as local conditions can cause a wide variation in tsunami wave action the all clear determination must be made by local authorities.

 

"No tsunami threat exists for other coastal areas in the Pacific although some other areas may experience small sea level changes."

 

- NZPA, REUTERS, NZHERALD STAFF

[comicseekers-migration]

New Zealand Herald:

 

Quake and tsunami near Tonga

 

UPDATED 6.55am Thursday May 4, 2006

Refresh this page for latest updates

 

A 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck central Tonga this morning, creating a local tsunami which may have caused damage.

 

Although there are no reports from Tonga so far, a small tsunami of less than half a metre was observed at Niue (east of Tonga) and at Pago Pago in American Samoa (north of Tonga).

 

There were initial warnings that a tsunami could affect New Zealand, Fiji and Hawaii, but all warnings have now been cancelled.

 

It was not immediately clear what damage was caused by the quake but a report on Sky Television said it was felt in several Tongan islands. A resident told Sky he felt tremors lasting over 30 seconds.

 

The quake hit 170km northeast of the Tongan capital Nuku'alofa at 3.26am (NZT), at a depth of 38km, the New Zealand Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences (GNS) said.

 

The epicentre was near the Ha'apai islands in central Tonga, approximately 2150km northeast of Auckland.

 

The quake was reported by GNS as magnitude 8.1, but the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre in Hawaii later said it measured 7.8 on the Richer scale.

 

The Tsunami Warning Centre issued warnings for countries in the region at 3.42am, saying at the time it did not know whether the quake actually generated a tsunami. If it did, it could have hit Fiji at 5.13am and Gisborne at 6.21am.

 

The Centre later cancelled all warnings, and said New Zealand would likely experience half-metre swells only.

 

Niue registered a 0.21m wave at 4.03am and Pago Pago registered a 0.15m wave at 4.36am, according to data on the Tsunami Warning Centre website.

 

A message posted on the website at 5.36am said:

 

"Sea level readings indicate a tsunami was generated. It may have been destructive along coasts near the earthquake epicentre. For those areas - when no major waves are observed for two hours after the estimated time of arrival or damaging waves have not occurred for at least two hours then local authorities can assume the threat is passed.

 

"Danger to boats and coastal structures can continue for several hours due to rapid currents. as local conditions can cause a wide variation in tsunami wave action the all clear determination must be made by local authorities.

 

"No tsunami threat exists for other coastal areas in the Pacific although some other areas may experience small sea level changes."

 

- NZPA, REUTERS, NZHERALD STAFF

 

It was only a 7.8 not an 8.0

[Timulty]

Boy, that's a relief. I was kinda worried. That some Pac rim posters might be affected. Whew!!!

[Stronguy]

I hope no one is living in the vicinity of Fiji or New Zealand:

Per CNN:

-- Tsunami warnings issued for Fiji and New Zealand after earthquake measuring a magnitude of about 8.0 shakes southern Pacific Ocean.

 

8.0

 

I'm holding out for a 9.4... anything less is just not investment grade.

[Hobo]

I hope no one is living in the vicinity of Fiji or New Zealand:

Per CNN:

-- Tsunami warnings issued for Fiji and New Zealand after earthquake measuring a magnitude of about 8.0 shakes southern Pacific Ocean.

 

8.0

 

I'm holding out for a 9.4... anything less is just not investment grade.

 

Maybe if they press the 'quake, they'll get a higher grade.

[Timulty]

You know, after the last tsunami to hit the Pacific, I would think no one would find this a laughing matter. Maybe, I am losing what sense of humor. Sorry.

[Psiknight]

You know, after the last tsunami to hit the Pacific, I would no one would find this a laughing matter. Maybe, I am losing what sense of humor, I have. Sorry.

 

I just thought they were lame jokes...if you're going to be insensitive, at least be funny about it.

[Psiknight]

 

It was only a 7.8 not an 8.0

 

Well, the difference is pretty huge, considering that's a 2-order magnitude difference.