Earthquake Update: Be Alert for Aftershocks
Here is another unverified report from Peter who just got back from Balik Pulau. The disaster areas, namely the coastal villages that were struck by a tsunami following the earthquake off Sumatra have been cordoned off to facilitate rescue efforts. Lives were lost, injured or unaccounted for. Fishermen at sea when the massive waves came are still missing. Many buildings were badly damaged. Two people who were fishing by the shore suddenly discovered that they could see their line and hook and the bottom of the sea. They looked up and saw a fast approaching wall of water in the distance and ran for their lives up to higher ground. They lived to tell this story. Many did not. Please pray for those who were injured or are still missing and the families of those who lost their loved ones in this tragedy.
I believe Penang experienced an aftershock at around 5:00pm just now. I could be mistaken but I thought I felt the floor moving again. Maybe it was just my mind playing tricks on me. I am still unsettled after that first tremor. However, if there indeed was an aftershock, it could trigger another tsunami, albeit one less damaging than the first. This is not a good time to be near the coasts or out at sea. Be alert. I hope the entry on what to do in the event of an earthquake may be helpful.
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December 26th, 2004 at 19:27
Peter, the tsunami that hit 5 countries in South Asia has reached over 2,200 deaths… Didn’t really notice the aftershock at 5pm though…
December 26th, 2004 at 22:00
All the best to you and your loved ones.
December 26th, 2004 at 23:21
Peter,
Do you have any news of Tanjung Tokong – have relatives there but unable to contact them. I know that Miami Beach was the most eastern part of the north coast hit by the tsunami, but I am a bit worried about Tj Tokong as my cousins lived right next to the beach, near the Tua Peh Kong temple.
Thanks
December 26th, 2004 at 23:50
Andy,
I was just guessing. Could be my rattled nerves working overtime.
Najah,
Thank you for your concern.
KTemoc,
I heard the Tanjong Tokong area was badly hit but sorry I do not have news from there. Hope your cousins are safe.
December 27th, 2004 at 00:52
KTemoc,
I heard the Tua Peh Kong temple area was quite badly affected by the waves. What I heard is the “hiau lor” also washed out into the sea. Cannot confirm this though.
December 27th, 2004 at 00:54
Peter, thanks for the many updates. Do u have any news on Penang Bridge or the ferry service?
December 27th, 2004 at 01:21
Peter, were there photos taken at the site?
December 27th, 2004 at 01:50
KSTang,
Since there are no news on the ferry and Penang Bridge, I guess both are still functioning. I hope the authorities will do a thorough check on the bridge to assure that the structure is sound and safe.
Excerpt from The Star:
The Penang Bridge, however, was declared safe after specialist engineers carried out visual and structural checks on the bridge and found it unaffected by the tidal wave and earthquake.
Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu has directed Penang Bridge Sdn Bhd to do more structural checks on the bridge, with the help of the Public Works Department (PWD).
“We are taking this very seriously as this is the only bridge linking the mainland to the island,” he said after presenting prizes to winners of Astro-Vaanavil?s poetry contest in Ipoh Sunday.
Andy,
Go to http://www.ipenang.com/ for photos.
December 27th, 2004 at 06:47
Peter & kstang, thanks mateys – am devastated but keeping fingers crossed. Will be reading both your blogs for 1st hand account – thanks again for the feedback
December 29th, 2004 at 06:49
LOOKING FOR JOHN MAYIN PENANG
December 29th, 2004 at 10:03
The poetry contest that was held last week. My brother George Manos from the U.S. attended. We have not heard from him. Do you have information on where it was held and phone numbers we can contact?
December 30th, 2004 at 21:07
May Family,
I hope John Mayin has beed found.
Peter,
The following are the phone numbers of Operation Rooms I took from our local newspapers. I hope it helps.
Penang Island:
04- 2621819 / 2656308
North Seberang Prai:
04-3239122
Kuala Muda, Kedah:
04-4211963
Langkawi, Kedah:
04-9666963
Perak:
05-7215222
Fisheries Dept:
03-26982920
December 31st, 2004 at 06:59
I an due to travel to Penang with my wife and 2 young children in a few weeks Do you think it will be safe . Our thouhts are with everyone out there now.
December 31st, 2004 at 10:50
David,
If there are no strong aftershocks to churn up another tsunami, I suppose it will be safe. I just got back from a short holiday at Gurney Drive, one of the affected places, and all was almost back to normal.
December 31st, 2004 at 15:00
I heard that there will be another wave tonight,is it true?
Don’t know the penang bridge will jam or not??
January 2nd, 2005 at 19:07
Loh,
Only get your facts from verified sources. There are a lot of unfounded rumours swirling around that are causing unneeded anxieties. There will only be a tsunami if there is a string earthquake. Keep your ears glued to the radio or eyes to the tv for the latest news.
December 26th, 2004 at 22:48
Penangite experiences of the quake
Lucia blogs about her experience during the quake – where tremors can be felt in Penang. More stories at iPenang’s forum.
Update: Jeff Ooi also blogs about it, including the issue of what’s the intensity…
December 26th, 2004 at 23:07
quake in indonesia caused fatalities in penang
i woke up early this morning as wanted to go to the 10.00am mass at the cathedral. well, about 9.00am i was busy powdering my face after washing my face, when i suddenly felt like the sink and mirror moving, and sense like the whole floor moving. for…
December 27th, 2004 at 00:27
quake in indonesia caused fatalities in penang
i normally don’t wake up so early on a sunday morning but this moring i woke up early as wanted to go to the 10.00am mass at the cathedral. well, about 9.00am i was busy powdering my face after washing my face, when i suddenly felt like the sink and …
January 24th, 2005 at 18:46
M6.6(maximum aftershock) SUMATRA Indonesia. We predicted this Earthquake.[EarthquakeAlert]
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