Vanuatu: Tsunami: 1999/11/27
GLIDE: EQ-1999-000524-VUT
| Period | 1999/11/27 |
|---|---|
| Country or District | Vanuatu |
| Event Type | Tsunami |
| Outline | An earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Richter Scale was recorded at 00:21hrs local time on Saturday 1999 to the south-west of the Vanuatan island of Pentecost. Eight people were confirmed dead, more than 100 injured and thousands left without homes after a severe earthquake followed by a tidal wave struck the South Pacific nation of Vanuatu. |
| Summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Human Impact | Physical Impact | Others |
| OCHA Situation Report No. 1 1999/11/30 | ||
| The earthquake caused numerous landslides and, although destruction of garden areas is reported, crop losses are not thought to be widespread. In addition the tremor caused damage to both buildings and other infrastructure. |
The tsunami at Marteli Bay has flattened all low-lying structures including the brick schoolhouse, leaving only the church still standing. | |
| Eight people were confirmed dead, more than 100 injured and thousands left without homes. | There has been extensive damage to roads, houses and other buildings. A church and school have been severely damaged. | |
Related Links
Report/Articles
OCHA Situation Report No. 2 1999/12/09
Aftershocks to the 27 November earthquake have continued to affect Penama Province. Significant landslides have occurred not only on Pentecost, but also on Ambrym, Paama and Epi Islands, where damage to houses, roads, and water supply systems, has been reported.
IFRC 29 Nov 1999
An earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Richter Scale hit Vanuatu, a chain of islands located in the South Pacific, at 12:21 am (local time) on 27 November 1999.
IFRC 01 Dec 1999
An earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale hit the Pentecost Province and other neighbouring provinces of Vanuatu in the early hours of Saturday, November 27, 1999, followed by a Tidal Wave 15 minutes after the Earthquake. The province has an estimated population of 12,000 people.
IFRC 02 Dec 1999
In Marteli Bay, Pentecost Island in Vanuatu, what was once a beautiful village of 360 people is today a wasteland after a massive tidal wave struck the area following a 7.1 magnitude earthquake on 27 November.
IFRC 02 Dec 1999
The Vanuatu Red Cross and the International Federation are raising funds and organising relief to assist victims of the massive 7.1 magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Vanuatu on November 27. The earthquake caused a giant tidal wave that killed 12 people, injured scores and destroyed the homes of over 1,000 people.
ABC 1999/12/03
A disaster assessment team has been sent to three islands in Vanuatu, which have reported damage after last weekend's earthquake and tsunami.
ABC 1999/12/02
Aftershocks are still being felt on Pentecost Island in Vanuatu, five days after an earthquake and tsunami struck, killing ten people.
OCHA Situation Report No. 1 1999/11/30
Pentecost's already pre-existing access problems are now significantly worsened due to landslides. Several slopes are clearly unstable, posing a threat in the next heavy rainfall to people directly in their path, and cutting access to essential services for many more.
ABC 1999/11/29
The Vanuatu Government has sent the first consignment of relief supplies to Pentecost Island.
Embassies and aid agencies are continuing discussions with the Vanuatu government about assistance following the weekend earthquake and tsunami.
AFP 1999/11/28
At least ten people died and thousands were left homeless after an earthquake and tidal wave devastated the Vanuatu island of Pentecost on Saturday.
WORLD EARTHQUAKE NEWS
MS 7.1
13:21 UTC, 168.2°E, 16.5°S, 33 km deep [NEIC]
(Saturday, November 27 at 01:21 am Vanuatu time)
This earthquake occurred to the south of Pentecost Island in central Vanuatu, causing strong ground vibration and a local tsunami. Initial reports of 12 fatalities have been revised to eight confirmed fatalities and two are missing at sea, and 40 people have been injured. There has been extensive damage to roads, houses and other buildings. A church and school have been severely damaged. Five people died when the earthquake hit the central village of Ena on Pentecost Island. Three others died after being swept out to sea by a tsunami which hit the southern tip of Pentecost half an hour later.
Geographycal Data