A strong 6.1-magnitude<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/factbox-earthquakes-and-tsunamis-indonesia-168479"> earthquake struck off the Indonesian</a> coast early Tuesday, but no tsunami warning was issued and there were no immediate reports of damage.

The quake hit at a depth of 31 kilometres (19 miles) off Sumba island, some 150 kilometres west southwest of the city of Waingapu, according to the United States Geological Survey.

It was followed by a weaker quake in the same area with an initial reading of 5.2 magnitude, according to Indonesia's disaster agency.

There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

Indonesia is still reeling from a deadly tsunami at the end of December triggered by an erupting volcano in the middle of the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra islands that killed more than 400 people.

The vast Southeast Asian archipelago is one of the most disaster-hit nations on Earth due to its position straddling the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates collide.

The tsunami was Indonesia's third major natural disaster in six months, following a series of powerful earthquakes on the island of Lombok in July and August and a quake-tsunami in September that killed around 2,200 people in Palu on Sulawesi island, with thousands more missing and presumed dead.&nbsp;

A strong 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the Indonesian coast early Tuesday, but no tsunami warning was issued and there were no immediate reports of damage.

A strong 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the Indonesian coast early Tuesday, but no tsunami warning was issued and there were no immediate reports of damage. The quake hit at a depth of 31 kilometres (19 miles) off Sumba island, some 150 kilometres west southwest of the city of Waingapu, according to the United States Geological Survey. It was followed by a weaker quake in the same area with an initial reading of 5.2 magnitude, according to Indonesia's disaster agency. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties. Indonesia is still reeling from a deadly tsunami at the end of December triggered by an erupting volcano in the middle of the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra islands that killed more than 400 people. The vast Southeast Asian archipelago is one of the most disaster-hit nations on Earth due to its position straddling the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates collide. The tsunami was Indonesia's third major natural disaster in six months, following a series of powerful earthquakes on the island of Lombok in July and August and a quake-tsunami in September that killed around 2,200 people in Palu on Sulawesi island, with thousands more missing and presumed dead.

Strong 6.1-magnitude earthquake strikes Indonesia coast

An earthquake of magnitude 3.0 on the Richter scale hit Palghar region in Maharashtra on Sunday.

This was the second tremor within three hours that struck the region but fortunately, there were no reports of casualties or damages.

The earthquake jolted the state on Sunday around 6:40 pm with magnitude 3.6 and second at 08:59 pm.

According to Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), it was located at latitude of 20.0 degrees North and longitude of 72.9 degrees East and occurred at a depth of 5 km.&nbsp;

An earthquake of magnitude 3.0 on the Richter scale hit Palghar region in Maharashtra on Sunday. This was the second tremor within three hours that struck the region but fortunately, there were no reports of casualties or damages.

An earthquake of magnitude 3.0 on the Richter scale hit Palghar region in Maharashtra on Sunday. This was the second tremor within three hours that struck the region but fortunately, there were no reports of casualties or damages. The earthquake jolted the state on Sunday around 6:40 pm with magnitude 3.6 and second at 08:59 pm. According to Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), it was located at latitude of 20.0 degrees North and longitude of 72.9 degrees East and occurred at a depth of 5 km.

Maharashtra: Earthquake hits Palghar twice within three hours

A strong 6.7-magnitude earthquake hit north-central Chile on Saturday, the US Geological Survey said.

The quake struck at a depth of 53 kilometers (33 miles) with an epicenter some 15 km southwest of Coquimbo, according to the USGS.

The earthquake, which hit at 0132 GMT (Sunday), was felt in Valparaiso, O'Higgins and the region of the capital Santiago, as well as in Atacama and Coquimbo up north.

Thousands of homes lost power, which showed how intense the quake was, according to Ricardo Toro of the National Emergency Office.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

Chile is one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries.

The 1960 Valdivia earthquake in Chile was the strongest ever recorded, at 9.5, on the magnitude scale, according to the USGS.

Chile lies on what is known as the Ring of Fire -- an arc of fault lines that circles the Pacific Basin and is prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

A strong 6.7-magnitude earthquake hit north-central Chile on Saturday, the US Geological Survey said. The quake struck at a depth of 53 kilometers (33 miles) with an epicenter some 15 km southwest of Coquimbo, according to the USGS.

A strong 6.7-magnitude earthquake hit north-central Chile on Saturday, the US Geological Survey said. The quake struck at a depth of 53 kilometers (33 miles) with an epicenter some 15 km southwest of Coquimbo, according to the USGS. The earthquake, which hit at 0132 GMT (Sunday), was felt in Valparaiso, O'Higgins and the region of the capital Santiago, as well as in Atacama and Coquimbo up north. Thousands of homes lost power, which showed how intense the quake was, according to Ricardo Toro of the National Emergency Office. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage. Chile is one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries. The 1960 Valdivia earthquake in Chile was the strongest ever recorded, at 9.5, on the magnitude scale, according to the USGS. Chile lies on what is known as the Ring of Fire -- an arc of fault lines that circles the Pacific Basin and is prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Strong 6.7-strength earthquake jolts north-central Chile: USGS

An earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale struck Nicobar Islands region on Thursday.

According to the report, tremors were felt around 8:30 in the morning.&nbsp;

No tsunami warning has been issued by&nbsp;India Meteorological Department.

No report of any casualty or infrastructure&nbsp;damage so far.

According to the India Meteorological Department, the quake had a latitude of &nbsp;7.6 degrees north and longitude of 94.5 degrees east. It was at depth of 84 Kilometre.

More information awaited. 
&nbsp;

An earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale struck Nicobar Islands region on Thursday. According to the report, tremors were felt around 8:30 in the morning.

An earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale struck Nicobar Islands region on Thursday. According to the report, tremors were felt around 8:30 in the morning. No tsunami warning has been issued by India Meteorological Department. No report of any casualty or infrastructure damage so far. According to the India Meteorological Department, the quake had a latitude of 7.6 degrees north and longitude of 94.5 degrees east. It was at depth of 84 Kilometre. More information awaited.

6.0-magnitude earthquake strikes Nicobar Islands region; no tsunami warning

An earthquake struck Gilangharb city in Kermanshah province in western Iran near the Iraqi border on Sunday, injuring about 75 people; news agency Reuters reported citing local media reports.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) initially put the magnitude of the quake at 5.9 but later revised it&nbsp;to 5.5.

According to the report, most of the people got injured while they were trying to escape to the outdoors in panic.

So far some residential building and cattle farms have been damaged. Some roads were also blocked by the rock sliding.

Following the earthquake, aftershocks were also reported in the area.&nbsp;

Iran sits astride major fault lines and is prone to frequent tremors.

In November, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake shook western Iran, injuring more than 700 people, with most suffering minor wounds.

n 2003, a 6.6 magnitude quake in southeastern Kerman province killed 31,000 people and flattened the historic city of Bam.

&nbsp;

An earthquake struck Gilangharb city in Kermanshah province in western Iran near the Iraqi border on Sunday, injuring about 75 people; news agency Reuters reported citing local media reports.

An earthquake struck Gilangharb city in Kermanshah province in western Iran near the Iraqi border on Sunday, injuring about 75 people; news agency Reuters reported citing local media reports. The US Geological Survey (USGS) initially put the magnitude of the quake at 5.9 but later revised it to 5.5. According to the report, most of the people got injured while they were trying to escape to the outdoors in panic. So far some residential building and cattle farms have been damaged. Some roads were also blocked by the rock sliding. Following the earthquake, aftershocks were also reported in the area. Iran sits astride major fault lines and is prone to frequent tremors. In November, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake shook western Iran, injuring more than 700 people, with most suffering minor wounds. n 2003, a 6.6 magnitude quake in southeastern Kerman province killed 31,000 people and flattened the historic city of Bam.

5.5 magnitude earthquake in Iran, at least 75 injured

A strong 6.6-magnitude earthquake struck off the Indonesian coast early Monday, sending residents running out of their homes, but no tsunami warning was issued.

The quake hit at a depth of 60 kilometres (40 miles) under the Molucca Sea, some 175 kilometres north-northwest of the city of Ternate, according to the USGS.

There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties and Indonesia's geophysics agency did not issue a tsunami alert.

"We felt the quake and some people got out of their house but there was no real panic. There is no damage in my area," said a man from Ternate called Budi, who like many Indonesians goes by one name.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/landslides-kill-at-least-15-in-indonesia-after-year-of-disasters-187889">At least 15 killed in landslides in Indonesia after </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/landslides-kill-at-least-15-in-indonesia-after-year-of-disasters-187889">year</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/landslides-kill-at-least-15-in-indonesia-after-year-of-disasters-187889"> of disasters</a>

Bani Nasution, a man who was in the city of Manado when the quake struck, told AFP, "I ran out of my house and so did other people here, but we've all returned to our houses now."

A series of aftershocks also rocked the area.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/indonesias-latest-tsunami-raises-global-questions-over-disaster-preparedness-187313">Indonesia's latest tsunami raises global questions over disaster preparedness</a>

Indonesia is still reeling from a deadly tsunami at the end of December triggered by an erupting volcano in the middle of the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra islands that killed more than 400 people.

The vast Southeast Asian archipelago is one of the most disaster-hit nations on Earth due to its position straddling the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates collide.

In pics: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-2018-a-catastrophic-year-for-indonesia-186645">2018, a catastrophic year for Indonesia</a>

The tsunami was Indonesia's third major natural disaster in six months, following a series of powerful earthquakes on the island of Lombok in July and August and a quake-tsunami in September that killed around 2,200 people in Palu on Sulawesi island, with thousands more missing and presumed dead.

There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties and Indonesia's geophysics agency did not issue a tsunami alert.

A strong 6.6-magnitude earthquake struck off the Indonesian coast early Monday, sending residents running out of their homes, but no tsunami warning was issued. The quake hit at a depth of 60 kilometres (40 miles) under the Molucca Sea, some 175 kilometres north-northwest of the city of Ternate, according to the USGS. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties and Indonesia's geophysics agency did not issue a tsunami alert. "We felt the quake and some people got out of their house but there was no real panic. There is no damage in my area," said a man from Ternate called Budi, who like many Indonesians goes by one name. Also read: At least 15 killed in landslides in Indonesia after year of disasters Bani Nasution, a man who was in the city of Manado when the quake struck, told AFP, "I ran out of my house and so did other people here, but we've all returned to our houses now." A series of aftershocks also rocked the area. Also read: Indonesia's latest tsunami raises global questions over disaster preparedness Indonesia is still reeling from a deadly tsunami at the end of December triggered by an erupting volcano in the middle of the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra islands that killed more than 400 people. The vast Southeast Asian archipelago is one of the most disaster-hit nations on Earth due to its position straddling the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates collide. In pics: 2018, a catastrophic year for Indonesia The tsunami was Indonesia's third major natural disaster in six months, following a series of powerful earthquakes on the island of Lombok in July and August and a quake-tsunami in September that killed around 2,200 people in Palu on Sulawesi island, with thousands more missing and presumed dead.

Strong 6.6-magnitude earthquake jolts northwest Indonesia, no tsunami warning

Philippines Earthquake: No Tsunami Threat after quake

A 4.8 magnitude earthquake hit the area around Europe's most active volcano Mount Etna overnight, injuring four people, damaging old buildings and forcing the closure of part of a highway running along the sea, Italian civil protection authorities said Wednesday.

The quake was the strongest in the region after<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/spectacular-eruptions-from-mount-etna-light-up-night-sky-on-christmas-day-186400"> Mount Etna erupted on Monday</a>, spewing ash and forcing the temporary closure of Sicilian airspace. A series of tremors followed, but the latest one was the strongest.

The national institute for geophysics and vulcanology (INGV) said the quake happened in the middle of the night and was only one kilometre (0.6 miles) deep.

Despite the closure of a part of the highway running along the coast, the airport at the eastern city of Catania, the capital of the province, was open.

The epicentre was located north of Catania and several families had to spend the night in the streets. Four people suffered light injuries, officials said.

Monday's eruption occurred on the side of Mount Etna and was the first lateral eruption in a decade.

Mount Etna is 3,300 metres high with frequent eruptions recorded in the past 2,700 years.

Its most recent eruptions occurred in the spring of 2017 and its last major eruption in the 2008/2009 winter.

At the end of March, a study published in the Bulletin of Volcanology said Etna was slowly sliding towards the Mediterranean — at a constant pace of 14 millimetres per year.

A 4.8 magnitude earthquake hit the area around Europe's most active volcano Mount Etna overnight, injuring four people, damaging old buildings and forcing the closure of part of a highway running along the sea, Italian civil protection authorities said Wednesday.

A 4.8 magnitude earthquake hit the area around Europe's most active volcano Mount Etna overnight, injuring four people, damaging old buildings and forcing the closure of part of a highway running along the sea, Italian civil protection authorities said Wednesday. The quake was the strongest in the region after Mount Etna erupted on Monday, spewing ash and forcing the temporary closure of Sicilian airspace. A series of tremors followed, but the latest one was the strongest. The national institute for geophysics and vulcanology (INGV) said the quake happened in the middle of the night and was only one kilometre (0.6 miles) deep. Despite the closure of a part of the highway running along the coast, the airport at the eastern city of Catania, the capital of the province, was open. The epicentre was located north of Catania and several families had to spend the night in the streets. Four people suffered light injuries, officials said. Monday's eruption occurred on the side of Mount Etna and was the first lateral eruption in a decade. Mount Etna is 3,300 metres high with frequent eruptions recorded in the past 2,700 years. Its most recent eruptions occurred in the spring of 2017 and its last major eruption in the 2008/2009 winter. At the end of March, a study published in the Bulletin of Volcanology said Etna was slowly sliding towards the Mediterranean — at a constant pace of 14 millimetres per year.

Italy: 4.8 quake hits area near Sicily's Mount Etna

A total of 16 people were reported injured as of 17:30 on Sunday after a 5.7 magnitude earthquake hit Xingwen County, Yibin City, in southwest China's Sichuan Province.

The 5.7 magnitude quake occurred at 12:46 on Sunday (Beijing Time).

The Ministry of Emergency Management initiated an emergency response after the earthquake.

People in towns near the epicentre felt the quake strongly. Some houses suffered minor damage while a small number of houses collapsed. Some households in the area suffered power and gas outages. Roads in several areas were also affected by landslides.

Local firefighters rushed to the epicentre to carry out search and rescue efforts, and more rescue workers are on the way.

The local government is carrying out comprehensive relief efforts including inspecting buildings and providing medical treatment. Emergency tents are being set up and relief goods have been sent to the quake site.

A total of 16 people were reported injured as of 17:30 on Sunday after a 5.7 magnitude earthquake hit Xingwen County, Yibin City, in southwest China's Sichuan Province.

A total of 16 people were reported injured as of 17:30 on Sunday after a 5.7 magnitude earthquake hit Xingwen County, Yibin City, in southwest China's Sichuan Province. The 5.7 magnitude quake occurred at 12:46 on Sunday (Beijing Time). The Ministry of Emergency Management initiated an emergency response after the earthquake. People in towns near the epicentre felt the quake strongly. Some houses suffered minor damage while a small number of houses collapsed. Some households in the area suffered power and gas outages. Roads in several areas were also affected by landslides. Local firefighters rushed to the epicentre to carry out search and rescue efforts, and more rescue workers are on the way. The local government is carrying out comprehensive relief efforts including inspecting buildings and providing medical treatment. Emergency tents are being set up and relief goods have been sent to the quake site.

Video: 5.7 magnitude earthquake hit southwest China county, 16 injured

A powerful undersea earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 struck off the east coast of New Caledonia in the South Pacific on Wednesday, said the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, which warned of possible hazardous tsunamis in the region.

The undersea quake was only a shallow 10 km (6 miles) deep and about 155 km (95 miles) east-southeast of the Loyalty Islands off New Caledonia`s east coast.

"Hazardous tsunami waves from this earthquake are possible within 1,000 km (600 miles) of the epicenter along the coasts of Vanuatu and New Caledonia," the PTWC said.

A powerful undersea earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 struck off the east coast of New Caledonia in the South Pacific on Wednesday, said the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, which warned of possible hazardous tsunamis in the region.

A powerful undersea earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 struck off the east coast of New Caledonia in the South Pacific on Wednesday, said the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, which warned of possible hazardous tsunamis in the region. The undersea quake was only a shallow 10 km (6 miles) deep and about 155 km (95 miles) east-southeast of the Loyalty Islands off New Caledonia`s east coast. "Hazardous tsunami waves from this earthquake are possible within 1,000 km (600 miles) of the epicenter along the coasts of Vanuatu and New Caledonia," the PTWC said.

Massive 7.6 quake prompts tsunami warning off New Caledonia: Pacific Tsunami Warning Center

New Caledonia and Vanuatu ordered coastal evacuations on Wednesday after a powerful undersea earthquake triggered tsunami warnings in the South Pacific, but appeared to have suffered little damage.

The quake of magnitude 7.6, which struck east of New Caledonia, was just 10 km (6 miles) deep and about 155 km (95 miles) east-southeast of the Loyalty Islands, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said.

Authorities in the French territory urged people to move to locations more than 300 metres (984 ft) away from the shore, and if possible, to sites higher than 12 metres (39 ft) above sea level.

"The good news is, we have had no injuries or damage," said Oliver Ciry, a spokesman for New Caledonia`s directorate for civil protection and risk management, adding that abnormal movements of the sea off the east coast and around the Loyalty Islands had been spotted earlier.

Neighbouring Vanuatu also issued an evacuation warning.

Production of nickel, New Caledonia`s dominant export, was briefly interrupted by the quake, however.

Eramet, the operator of the Doniambo nickel plant in the main harbour of Noumea, on the west coast, initiated its tsunami alert process, a spokesman for the French mining and metals group said.

"The procedure is to ask people who work near the sea to move higher up," he said, adding that he had felt the strong quake, although it did not cause prolonged shaking.

New Caledonia and Vanuatu ordered coastal evacuations on Wednesday after a powerful undersea earthquake triggered tsunami warnings in the South Pacific, but appeared to have suffered little damage.

New Caledonia and Vanuatu ordered coastal evacuations on Wednesday after a powerful undersea earthquake triggered tsunami warnings in the South Pacific, but appeared to have suffered little damage. The quake of magnitude 7.6, which struck east of New Caledonia, was just 10 km (6 miles) deep and about 155 km (95 miles) east-southeast of the Loyalty Islands, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said. Authorities in the French territory urged people to move to locations more than 300 metres (984 ft) away from the shore, and if possible, to sites higher than 12 metres (39 ft) above sea level. "The good news is, we have had no injuries or damage," said Oliver Ciry, a spokesman for New Caledonia`s directorate for civil protection and risk management, adding that abnormal movements of the sea off the east coast and around the Loyalty Islands had been spotted earlier. Neighbouring Vanuatu also issued an evacuation warning. Production of nickel, New Caledonia`s dominant export, was briefly interrupted by the quake, however. Eramet, the operator of the Doniambo nickel plant in the main harbour of Noumea, on the west coast, initiated its tsunami alert process, a spokesman for the French mining and metals group said. "The procedure is to ask people who work near the sea to move higher up," he said, adding that he had felt the strong quake, although it did not cause prolonged shaking.

Watch: New Caledonia, Vanuatu order evacuations after powerful quake, but suffer little impact

A powerful earthquake shook southern Alaska on Friday morning, buckling roads, disrupting traffic and knocking television stations off the air in Anchorage, the state`s largest city, but there were no immediate reports of injuries.&nbsp;

The 7.0 magnitude quake struck about 8 miles (13g km) north of Anchorage, a city of 300,000 residents accounting for about 40 per cent of Alaska`s population. The temblor was registered at a depth of 26.7 miles (43 km) beneath the surface, the US Geological Survey said.

The quake, followed by numerous aftershocks, produced strong shaking within a 30-mile (50 km) radius of its epicentre, with ground movement felt as far away as Fairbanks, about 350 miles to the north, the USGS reported.

"Thought the house was going to come apart," Anchorage-based climatologist Brian Brettschneider wrote on Twitter, posting a picture of his kitchen floor scattered with items that had fallen from cupboards.

A tsunami warning was issued for Cook Inlet, linking Anchorage with the Gulf of Alaska, but was later cancelled.

The Trans Alaska Pipeline that carries North Slope crude 800 miles (1,300 km) to the marine terminal at Valdez was shut down as a precaution, but no damage to the system was immediately detected, said a spokeswoman for the operator, Aleyska Pipeline Service Co.&nbsp;

Infrastructure in and around Anchorage took a major hit, police said on Twitter, with some homes and other buildings heavily damaged and many roads and bridges forced closed.

"SCARY DAY"&nbsp;

Rush-hour traffic in Anchorage came to a standstill and jammed up heading out of town after the quake struck at around 8:30 a.m.&nbsp; 
Disaster declarations were issued by Governor Bill Walker and Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz.

“Scary day for Alaska. We have been through earthquakes in the past. This one was different. This was very, very scary, damage that we don’t fully understand,” Walker said in a video statement from outside a National Guard armoury command centre.

Walker said he had been in contact with the White House, which promised emergency assistance from the federal government.

A team from the Federal Emergency Management Agency was on its way to the quake zone, and damage assessments were under way, Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska said on Fox News Channel. "But we know that a tragedy of this magnitude is going to require outside resources," she said.&nbsp;

Strong earthquakes are not uncommon in seismically active Alaska, but they tend to occur in remote, sparsely populated regions where there is little or no damage.

Alaska has recorded earthquakes with magnitudes ranging from 7 to 8 at least once a year on average since 1900, according to the state government website. Southern Alaska was hit by a devastating 9.2 tremor in 1964, the second most powerful earthquake on record.

TV STUDIO IN SHAMBLES

Video on social media showed various images of damage from the quake, including supermarket floors strewn with items that tumbled from shelves and television station KTVA`s studio in shambles.

A photo posted by a reporter at KTVA showed a deserted newsroom, with the ceiling partially collapsed and debris scattered throughout. CNN reported that television station KTUU, an NBC affiliate, also was knocked off the air.

KTUU`s website featured a photo of a snow-covered highway that had buckled, with a car sitting between two deep fissures crossing the highway.

The Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport remained open, but arrivals and departure ramps were closed and there were reports of road damage, the airport said on Twitter.&nbsp;

The city`s schools were evacuated and parents were notified to pick up their children.

A powerful earthquake shook southern Alaska on Friday morning, buckling roads, disrupting traffic and knocking television stations off the air in Anchorage, the state`s largest city, but there were no immediate reports of injuries.

A powerful earthquake shook southern Alaska on Friday morning, buckling roads, disrupting traffic and knocking television stations off the air in Anchorage, the state`s largest city, but there were no immediate reports of injuries. The 7.0 magnitude quake struck about 8 miles (13g km) north of Anchorage, a city of 300,000 residents accounting for about 40 per cent of Alaska`s population. The temblor was registered at a depth of 26.7 miles (43 km) beneath the surface, the US Geological Survey said. The quake, followed by numerous aftershocks, produced strong shaking within a 30-mile (50 km) radius of its epicentre, with ground movement felt as far away as Fairbanks, about 350 miles to the north, the USGS reported. "Thought the house was going to come apart," Anchorage-based climatologist Brian Brettschneider wrote on Twitter, posting a picture of his kitchen floor scattered with items that had fallen from cupboards. A tsunami warning was issued for Cook Inlet, linking Anchorage with the Gulf of Alaska, but was later cancelled. The Trans Alaska Pipeline that carries North Slope crude 800 miles (1,300 km) to the marine terminal at Valdez was shut down as a precaution, but no damage to the system was immediately detected, said a spokeswoman for the operator, Aleyska Pipeline Service Co. Infrastructure in and around Anchorage took a major hit, police said on Twitter, with some homes and other buildings heavily damaged and many roads and bridges forced closed. "SCARY DAY" Rush-hour traffic in Anchorage came to a standstill and jammed up heading out of town after the quake struck at around 8:30 a.m. Disaster declarations were issued by Governor Bill Walker and Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz. “Scary day for Alaska. We have been through earthquakes in the past. This one was different. This was very, very scary, damage that we don’t fully understand,” Walker said in a video statement from outside a National Guard armoury command centre. Walker said he had been in contact with the White House, which promised emergency assistance from the federal government. A team from the Federal Emergency Management Agency was on its way to the quake zone, and damage assessments were under way, Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska said on Fox News Channel. "But we know that a tragedy of this magnitude is going to require outside resources," she said. Strong earthquakes are not uncommon in seismically active Alaska, but they tend to occur in remote, sparsely populated regions where there is little or no damage. Alaska has recorded earthquakes with magnitudes ranging from 7 to 8 at least once a year on average since 1900, according to the state government website. Southern Alaska was hit by a devastating 9.2 tremor in 1964, the second most powerful earthquake on record. TV STUDIO IN SHAMBLES Video on social media showed various images of damage from the quake, including supermarket floors strewn with items that tumbled from shelves and television station KTVA`s studio in shambles. A photo posted by a reporter at KTVA showed a deserted newsroom, with the ceiling partially collapsed and debris scattered throughout. CNN reported that television station KTUU, an NBC affiliate, also was knocked off the air. KTUU`s website featured a photo of a snow-covered highway that had buckled, with a car sitting between two deep fissures crossing the highway. The Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport remained open, but arrivals and departure ramps were closed and there were reports of road damage, the airport said on Twitter. The city`s schools were evacuated and parents were notified to pick up their children.

Powerful quake causes damage in Alaska; no injuries reported

A slow rumbling wave moved across the world on November 11th travelling through Africa, Chile, New Zealand, Canada covering a distance of nearly 11,000 miles but it went unrecorded as no one in the world felt it, according to National Geographic.

Except one man - earthquake enthusiast with a twitter handle @matarikipax who posted the weird zig-zag waves on the social media channel. No one has been able to accurately define the source of the waves.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
It looks like two or more frequencies mixed ...
— ******* Pax (@matarikipax) <a href="https://twitter.com/matarikipax/status/1061598398975864832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Internet has been speculating incessantly since the phenomena was first reported that it could be a meteor strike, an underwater volcano eruption and bizarrely a sea monster travelling through the waters secretly.

Researchers, however, are looking into the strange wave and have picked up a few clues. Some said the wave was likely triggered due to a "slow earthquake" which takes several hours or even days to culminate.

The "odd and unusual seismic signal" reportedly originated&nbsp;off the French island of Mayotte and travelled through Africa, Americas(Canada and Hawaii) including Chile. Seismologists agree it was definitely not a "wave train" which gets triggered when an earthquake hits sending high frequencies which gets automatically picked up by tracking machines.

Interestingly, in the Mayotte island, no underwater activity was taking place nor was any military operation being carried out, although National Geographic in its report said several earthquakes were recorded in the region but it had receded in recent months. There were no earthquakes reported off the island on November 11th.

Geologists and seismologists have been at pains to explain the seismic phenomena, although scientists have noticed that the island has slid a few inches since July, although it could be a case of Magma shifting but the slow wave phenomena has everyone stumped.

The French Geological Survey (BRGM) is looking into the new, almost "magical" phenomena which slipped by unnoticed with no "scientific explanation" on offer. Some said this is just how it is - unexplained.

Watch this space.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
and here at Lusaka, Zambia ...<a href="https://t.co/Cpdyzj6Sf6">https://t.co/Cpdyzj6Sf6</a> <a href="https://t.co/FNpCz9EMk9">pic.twitter.com/FNpCz9EMk9</a>
— ******* Pax (@matarikipax) <a href="https://twitter.com/matarikipax/status/1061590956091162624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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A slow rumbling wave moved across the world on November 11th travelling through Africa, Chile, New Zealand, Canada covering a distance of nearly 11,000 miles but it went unrecorded as no one in the world felt it, according to National Geographic.

A slow rumbling wave moved across the world on November 11th travelling through Africa, Chile, New Zealand, Canada covering a distance of nearly 11,000 miles but it went unrecorded as no one in the world felt it, according to National Geographic. Except one man - earthquake enthusiast with a twitter handle @matarikipax who posted the weird zig-zag waves on the social media channel. No one has been able to accurately define the source of the waves. It looks like two or more frequencies mixed ... — ******* Pax (@matarikipax) November 11, 2018 × The Internet has been speculating incessantly since the phenomena was first reported that it could be a meteor strike, an underwater volcano eruption and bizarrely a sea monster travelling through the waters secretly. Researchers, however, are looking into the strange wave and have picked up a few clues. Some said the wave was likely triggered due to a "slow earthquake" which takes several hours or even days to culminate. The "odd and unusual seismic signal" reportedly originated off the French island of Mayotte and travelled through Africa, Americas(Canada and Hawaii) including Chile. Seismologists agree it was definitely not a "wave train" which gets triggered when an earthquake hits sending high frequencies which gets automatically picked up by tracking machines. Interestingly, in the Mayotte island, no underwater activity was taking place nor was any military operation being carried out, although National Geographic in its report said several earthquakes were recorded in the region but it had receded in recent months. There were no earthquakes reported off the island on November 11th. Geologists and seismologists have been at pains to explain the seismic phenomena, although scientists have noticed that the island has slid a few inches since July, although it could be a case of Magma shifting but the slow wave phenomena has everyone stumped. The French Geological Survey (BRGM) is looking into the new, almost "magical" phenomena which slipped by unnoticed with no "scientific explanation" on offer. Some said this is just how it is - unexplained. Watch this space. and here at Lusaka, Zambia ...https://t.co/Cpdyzj6Sf6 pic.twitter.com/FNpCz9EMk9 — ******* Pax (@matarikipax) November 11, 2018 ×

How a mysterious wave rumbled across the world in November unnoticed

More than 700 people were injured in a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/64-earthquake-rocks-western-iran-over-250-injured-179417">6.4-magnitude earthquake</a> that shook western Iran, state television reported in an updated toll Monday.

The quake struck Kermanshah province late Sunday, with an epicentre 17 kilometres (11 miles) southwest of the city of Sarpol-e Zahab, according to the country's institute of geophysics.

State television, citing the emergency services, said that 716 people had been injured, but there were no reports of deaths or major damage.

State TV showed images of cracked walls inside homes, but said only 33 of those injured remained in hospital on Monday morning.

The initial quake, around seven kilometres deep, was followed by several aftershocks including one with a magnitude of 5.2.

Morteza Salimi, an official with Iran's Red Crescent Society, said most of Sunday's casualties had been injured in a stampede sparked by the first tremors.

AFP journalists reported feeling the quake as far away as Baghdad in neighbouring Iraq.

Salimi told semi-official news agency ISNA on Sunday that the quake had rocked areas newly rebuilt after a 7.3-magnitude tremor last November that killed 620 people and injured thousands more.

Iran sits on top of two major tectonic plates and sees frequent seismic activity.

In 2003, a 6.6-magnitude tremor struck the southeast of the country, decimating the ancient mud-brick city of Bam and killing at least 31,000 people.

The country's deadliest such incident was a 7.4-magnitude quake in 1990 that killed 40,000 people in northern Iran, injured 300,000 and left half a million homeless.

More than 700 people were injured in a 6.4-magnitude earthquake that shook western Iran, state television reported in an updated toll Monday. The quake struck Kermanshah province late Sunday, with an epicentre 17 kilometres (11 miles) southwest of the city of Sarpol-e Zahab, according to the country's institute of geophysics.

More than 700 people were injured in a 6.4-magnitude earthquake that shook western Iran, state television reported in an updated toll Monday. The quake struck Kermanshah province late Sunday, with an epicentre 17 kilometres (11 miles) southwest of the city of Sarpol-e Zahab, according to the country's institute of geophysics. State television, citing the emergency services, said that 716 people had been injured, but there were no reports of deaths or major damage. State TV showed images of cracked walls inside homes, but said only 33 of those injured remained in hospital on Monday morning. The initial quake, around seven kilometres deep, was followed by several aftershocks including one with a magnitude of 5.2. Morteza Salimi, an official with Iran's Red Crescent Society, said most of Sunday's casualties had been injured in a stampede sparked by the first tremors. AFP journalists reported feeling the quake as far away as Baghdad in neighbouring Iraq. Salimi told semi-official news agency ISNA on Sunday that the quake had rocked areas newly rebuilt after a 7.3-magnitude tremor last November that killed 620 people and injured thousands more. Iran sits on top of two major tectonic plates and sees frequent seismic activity. In 2003, a 6.6-magnitude tremor struck the southeast of the country, decimating the ancient mud-brick city of Bam and killing at least 31,000 people. The country's deadliest such incident was a 7.4-magnitude quake in 1990 that killed 40,000 people in northern Iran, injured 300,000 and left half a million homeless.

More than 700 hurt in Iran after 6.4-magnitude earthquake

A strong 6.1-magnitude earthquake shook Colombian-owned islands in the Caribbean Sea on Saturday, but authorities said there was no need for a tsunami alert.

The quake struck 32 kilometers (20 miles) southeast of Mountain, Colombia, at 0340 GMT Sunday, according to the US Geological Service, which monitors quakes worldwide.

Both the Colombian geological service and the USGS said the quake's epicenter was ten kilometers deep.

Colombian officials said that the municipalities of San Andres, Providencia, and Santa Catalina -- part of an archipelago of the same name -- were mostly affected.

The islands are located some 220 kilometers (140 miles) off Nicaragua's eastern coast.

Colombia's national disaster agency said that there was no tsunami alert for the country's Caribbean coastline, and that there were no reports of damage on the islands.

A strong 6.1-magnitude earthquake shook Colombian-owned islands in the Caribbean Sea on Saturday, but authorities said there was no need for a tsunami alert. The quake struck 32 kilometers (20 miles) southeast of Mountain, Colombia, at 0340 GMT Sunday, according to the US Geological Service, which monitors quakes worldwide.

A strong 6.1-magnitude earthquake shook Colombian-owned islands in the Caribbean Sea on Saturday, but authorities said there was no need for a tsunami alert. The quake struck 32 kilometers (20 miles) southeast of Mountain, Colombia, at 0340 GMT Sunday, according to the US Geological Service, which monitors quakes worldwide. Both the Colombian geological service and the USGS said the quake's epicenter was ten kilometers deep. Colombian officials said that the municipalities of San Andres, Providencia, and Santa Catalina -- part of an archipelago of the same name -- were mostly affected. The islands are located some 220 kilometers (140 miles) off Nicaragua's eastern coast. Colombia's national disaster agency said that there was no tsunami alert for the country's Caribbean coastline, and that there were no reports of damage on the islands.

Strong 6.1-magnitude quake shakes Colombian Caribbean islands

A 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Fiji Monday, the United States Geological Survey said, but it was too deep to cause any damage.

It was centred 534 kilometres (331 miles) deep and 283 kilometres east of the capital Suva where residents said they did not notice any shaking.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said there was no tsunami threat from the tremor which occurred at 9:25 am (2025 GMT Sunday).

The area is prone to deep undersea earthquakes and was hit with a 7.8-magnitude tremor two months ago.

Fiji sits within the "Ring of Fire", a zone of tectonic activity around the Pacific that is subject to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. 
&nbsp;

A 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Fiji Monday, the United States Geological Survey said, but it was too deep to cause any damage. It was centred 534 kilometres (331 miles) deep and 283 kilometres east of the capital Suva where residents said they did not notice any shaking.

A 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Fiji Monday, the United States Geological Survey said, but it was too deep to cause any damage. It was centred 534 kilometres (331 miles) deep and 283 kilometres east of the capital Suva where residents said they did not notice any shaking. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said there was no tsunami threat from the tremor which occurred at 9:25 am (2025 GMT Sunday). The area is prone to deep undersea earthquakes and was hit with a 7.8-magnitude tremor two months ago. Fiji sits within the "Ring of Fire", a zone of tectonic activity around the Pacific that is subject to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Strong undersea quake off Fiji, but no tsunami

An earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter Scale was felt in Darchula in far-west Nepal, and the surrounding districts on Sunday afternoon, creating panic among the residents.&nbsp;

The epicentre of the earthquake was Khela in the Indian state of Uttarakhand that occurred at 12.52 pm, the Seismological Department of Nepal said.

Khela is some 16 kilometres South from Khalanga, the headquarters of Darchula district.

The locals were scared and ran out of their houses to open grounds as the quake struck, according to officials.&nbsp;

However, there have been no reports of any loss of lives or properties due to the quake.

An earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter Scale was felt in Darchula in far-west Nepal, and the surrounding districts on Sunday afternoon, creating panic among the residents.

An earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter Scale was felt in Darchula in far-west Nepal, and the surrounding districts on Sunday afternoon, creating panic among the residents. The epicentre of the earthquake was Khela in the Indian state of Uttarakhand that occurred at 12.52 pm, the Seismological Department of Nepal said. Khela is some 16 kilometres South from Khalanga, the headquarters of Darchula district. The locals were scared and ran out of their houses to open grounds as the quake struck, according to officials. However, there have been no reports of any loss of lives or properties due to the quake.

Nepal hit by moderate 5.1 earthquake creating panic among residents

A powerful quake of magnitude 6.8 struck off the eastern coast of Greenland on Friday, the US Geological Survey said.&nbsp;

The quake, initially reported as a magnitude 7.1, struck at 0149 GMT. Its epicenter was in a remote area 253 miles (407 km) east of Ittoqqortoormiit in Greenland.

It was strong enough to cause local waves in the Greenland Sea but was not expected to cause a tsunami in more populated areas, the US Tsunami Warning System said.&nbsp;

A powerful quake of magnitude 6.8 struck off the eastern coast of Greenland on Friday, the US Geological Survey said. The quake, initially reported as a magnitude 7.

A powerful quake of magnitude 6.8 struck off the eastern coast of Greenland on Friday, the US Geological Survey said. The quake, initially reported as a magnitude 7.1, struck at 0149 GMT. Its epicenter was in a remote area 253 miles (407 km) east of Ittoqqortoormiit in Greenland. It was strong enough to cause local waves in the Greenland Sea but was not expected to cause a tsunami in more populated areas, the US Tsunami Warning System said.

Magnitude 6.8 quake hits off Greenland: US Geological Survey

A shallow 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck off Japan's northern island of Hokkaido on Monday, the US Geological Survey said.

The moderate quake hit at a depth of eight kilometres, 107 kilometres northeast of Shibetsu. USGS said there was a low likelihood of casualties and damage.

It comes after a powerful 6.6-magnitude quake in September rocked Hokkaido, triggering landslides, collapsing houses and killing more than 40.

Japan sits at the junction of four tectonic plates and experiences a number of relatively violent quakes every year.

But rigid building codes and strict enforcement mean even strong tremors often do little damage.

A shallow 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck off Japan's northern island of Hokkaido on Monday, the US Geological Survey said. The moderate quake hit at a depth of eight kilometres, 107 kilometres northeast of Shibetsu.

A shallow 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck off Japan's northern island of Hokkaido on Monday, the US Geological Survey said. The moderate quake hit at a depth of eight kilometres, 107 kilometres northeast of Shibetsu. USGS said there was a low likelihood of casualties and damage. It comes after a powerful 6.6-magnitude quake in September rocked Hokkaido, triggering landslides, collapsing houses and killing more than 40. Japan sits at the junction of four tectonic plates and experiences a number of relatively violent quakes every year. But rigid building codes and strict enforcement mean even strong tremors often do little damage.

5.9-magnitude earthquake strikes off Japan's Hokkaido:  US Geological Survey

A strong quake with a magnitude of at least 6.4 struck off Greece early on Friday, earthquake monitors said. There were no initial reports of extensive damage or casualties.

The epicentre of the quake, initially reported as a magnitude 7.0, was in the Ionian Sea, some 83 miles (133.5 km) southwest of Patras in the Peloponnese.

A fire brigade official in Athens said there were no early reports of damage or casualties. Attention was focused on the island of Zakynthos, where reports indicated power was out.

Local news websites reported that a 15th century monastery in the Strofades area of the island had been damaged.&nbsp;

The tremor was felt in Greece`s capital, Athens, and as far away as Italy.&nbsp;

Italy’s Il Messaggero online news site reported that the quake had been felt hundreds of kilometres away in southern Italy. Firefighters in Sicily, Calabria and Puglia received thousands of telephone calls for information about the quake.

The quake was fairly shallow, only 10.3 miles (16.5 km) below the seabed, which would have amplified shaking.

It struck at 1:54 a.m. (2254 GMT Thursday) and was followed about half an hour later by a 5.2 aftershock.Greece straddles two tectonic plates and often gets earthquakes.&nbsp;

Greece`s Geodynamic Institute reported a tremor of 6.4, 50 kilometres south of Zakynthos. An official there confirmed a tsunami alert had been issued, which is standard for tremors over 5.5.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) put the quake at 6.8.

"It was strong, things fell of the shelves," a witness in Katastari, Greece, 36 kilometres north of the epicentre, wrote on the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) website.&nbsp;

Soon after the quake there were only 3 postings on the EMSC testimonials page, which is unusual for a quake of such magnitude.

A strong quake with a magnitude of at least 6.4 struck off Greece early on Friday, earthquake monitors said. There were no initial reports of extensive damage or casualties.

A strong quake with a magnitude of at least 6.4 struck off Greece early on Friday, earthquake monitors said. There were no initial reports of extensive damage or casualties. The epicentre of the quake, initially reported as a magnitude 7.0, was in the Ionian Sea, some 83 miles (133.5 km) southwest of Patras in the Peloponnese. A fire brigade official in Athens said there were no early reports of damage or casualties. Attention was focused on the island of Zakynthos, where reports indicated power was out. Local news websites reported that a 15th century monastery in the Strofades area of the island had been damaged. The tremor was felt in Greece`s capital, Athens, and as far away as Italy. Italy’s Il Messaggero online news site reported that the quake had been felt hundreds of kilometres away in southern Italy. Firefighters in Sicily, Calabria and Puglia received thousands of telephone calls for information about the quake. The quake was fairly shallow, only 10.3 miles (16.5 km) below the seabed, which would have amplified shaking. It struck at 1:54 a.m. (2254 GMT Thursday) and was followed about half an hour later by a 5.2 aftershock.Greece straddles two tectonic plates and often gets earthquakes. Greece`s Geodynamic Institute reported a tremor of 6.4, 50 kilometres south of Zakynthos. An official there confirmed a tsunami alert had been issued, which is standard for tremors over 5.5. The US Geological Survey (USGS) put the quake at 6.8. "It was strong, things fell of the shelves," a witness in Katastari, Greece, 36 kilometres north of the epicentre, wrote on the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) website. Soon after the quake there were only 3 postings on the EMSC testimonials page, which is unusual for a quake of such magnitude.

Strong 6.4 magnitude earthquake strikes Greece, no early reports of damage, injuries

A powerful quake of magnitude at least 6.8 struck off western Greece early on Friday (October 26), earthquake monitors said, causing slight damage but no casualties in a tremor felt as far away as Libya.

The tremor was felt in Athens, the Greek capital, and as far away as Albania, Italy, Libya and Malta.

The epicentre was in the Ionian Sea, about 130 km (81 miles) southwest of Patras in the Peloponnese, the USGS said.

It was felt particularly on Zakynthos, also known as Zante, which was rattled by a series of strong aftershocks, the highest at 5.6, and where power was briefly disrupted.

Three people were taken to hospital, two of them slightly injured, a spokesman for Greece's civil protection agency told Reuters.

The power cut and slight damage to the port of Zakynthos, near the epicentre would not affect port operations, officials said.

The quake was fairly shallow, according to the USGS, just 14 km (8.7 miles) below the seabed, which would have amplified shaking.

It struck at 1:54 a.m. (2254 GMT). Greece straddles two tectonic plates and often suffers earthquakes.

A powerful quake of magnitude at least 6.8 struck off western Greece early on Friday (October 26), earthquake monitors said, causing slight damage but no casualties in a tremor felt as far away as Libya.

A powerful quake of magnitude at least 6.8 struck off western Greece early on Friday (October 26), earthquake monitors said, causing slight damage but no casualties in a tremor felt as far away as Libya. The tremor was felt in Athens, the Greek capital, and as far away as Albania, Italy, Libya and Malta. The epicentre was in the Ionian Sea, about 130 km (81 miles) southwest of Patras in the Peloponnese, the USGS said. It was felt particularly on Zakynthos, also known as Zante, which was rattled by a series of strong aftershocks, the highest at 5.6, and where power was briefly disrupted. Three people were taken to hospital, two of them slightly injured, a spokesman for Greece's civil protection agency told Reuters. The power cut and slight damage to the port of Zakynthos, near the epicentre would not affect port operations, officials said. The quake was fairly shallow, according to the USGS, just 14 km (8.7 miles) below the seabed, which would have amplified shaking. It struck at 1:54 a.m. (2254 GMT). Greece straddles two tectonic plates and often suffers earthquakes.

Greece jolted by 6.8 earthquake, 3 injured

An earthquake of magnitude 6.7 struck off the Canadian province of British Columbia on Monday, the United States Geological Survey(USGS) said.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage from the quake, which hit at a depth of 33 km (21 miles) about 190 km (117 miles) southwest of Port Hardy, a town on the northeast end of Vancouver island.

An earthquake of magnitude 6.7 struck off the Canadian province of British Columbia on Monday, the United States Geological Survey(USGS) said. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage from the quake, which hit at a depth of 33 km (21 miles) about 190 km (117 miles) southwest of Port Hardy, a town on the northeast end of Vancouver island.

Canada: 6.7-magnitude earthquake strikes off British Columbia; no casualties reported

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday said that China and India are constantly sharing information over the threats posed to Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in the wake of a landslide in Tibet. "You can't say it is a conspiracy," the minister added.

"Chinese govt is sharing information with Indian authorities and Indian authorities have shared information with district administration in Siang belt. All precautionary measures are being taken. You can't say it's a conspiracy," he stated.

He said that the Siang river is a very big river and "any natural calamity like earthquake or landslide possess a danger to people who live downstream."

Rijiju's comments come a day after Arunachal Pradesh government sounded an alert in the East Siang district of the state and for the regions bordering China's Tibet region owing to a landslide in Tibet.

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Chinese govt is sharing information with Indian authorities &amp; Indian authorities have shared information with district administration in Siang belt. All precautionary measures are being taken. You can't say it's a conspiracy: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju
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A landslide that occurred in China on Wednesday created an obstruction on river Yarlung Tsangpo, which is known as Siang in Arunachal Pradesh and as the Brahmaputra in Assam.

The landslide blocked the flow of the Yarlung Tsangpo, creating a lake that poses a threat to the inhabitants of the downstream areas, including those living in Arunachal Pradesh.&nbsp;

Following the landslide, as many as 6,000 people were evacuated in Tibet.

Congress Member of Parliament from Arunachal Pradesh, Ninong Ering, had earlier written a letter to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Minister of State for Water Resources Arjun Ram Meghwal seeking their intervention with regards to the blockage.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday said that China and India are constantly sharing information over the threats posed to Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in the wake of a landslide in Tibet.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday said that China and India are constantly sharing information over the threats posed to Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in the wake of a landslide in Tibet. "You can't say it is a conspiracy," the minister added. "Chinese govt is sharing information with Indian authorities and Indian authorities have shared information with district administration in Siang belt. All precautionary measures are being taken. You can't say it's a conspiracy," he stated. He said that the Siang river is a very big river and "any natural calamity like earthquake or landslide possess a danger to people who live downstream." Rijiju's comments come a day after Arunachal Pradesh government sounded an alert in the East Siang district of the state and for the regions bordering China's Tibet region owing to a landslide in Tibet. Chinese govt is sharing information with Indian authorities & Indian authorities have shared information with district administration in Siang belt. All precautionary measures are being taken. You can't say it's a conspiracy: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju — ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2018 × A landslide that occurred in China on Wednesday created an obstruction on river Yarlung Tsangpo, which is known as Siang in Arunachal Pradesh and as the Brahmaputra in Assam. The landslide blocked the flow of the Yarlung Tsangpo, creating a lake that poses a threat to the inhabitants of the downstream areas, including those living in Arunachal Pradesh. Following the landslide, as many as 6,000 people were evacuated in Tibet. Congress Member of Parliament from Arunachal Pradesh, Ninong Ering, had earlier written a letter to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Minister of State for Water Resources Arjun Ram Meghwal seeking their intervention with regards to the blockage.

China, India constantly sharing information, can't say it's conspiracy: Rijiju on Brahmaputra river blockage

At least three people were killed as a shallow 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia's Java and Bali islands Thursday, a government official said.

The victims in East Java's Sumenep district perished after being crushed by collapsed buildings, national disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said.

"The earthquake happened early Thursday when they were sleeping and the quake suddenly rocked so they didn't have time to evacuate," he said, adding that damage caused by the tremor was not widespread.

The strong quake was felt in Denpasar on the holiday island of Bali, where panicked people fled from buildings.

"Wow, that was really strong and it lasted a long time," said a woman named Davy who took refuge in the parking lot of a Bali hotel, several kilometres from where the IMF and World Bank are holding their annual meetings this week.

Some guests at the hotel in Nusa Dua, south of Bali's main international airport, briefly fled outside after the strong tremor shook the building.

"The quake was very big. I immediately woke up and took my little kids out of the house," Ni Komang Sudiani said.

"All my neighbours were also running," said the mother of two.

The tremor's epicentre was in the Bali Sea around 40 kilometres (25 miles) off the eastern end of Java island, according to the United States Geological Survey.

The quake was also felt in Surabaya, the capital of East Java province, which is about 200 kilometres from Situbondo, the nearest town to the quake epicentre.

"I felt it for about 10 seconds. People were sleeping but got woken up by it," Tonny Akbar Mahendro&nbsp;said.

No tsunami warning was issued for the earthquake.

"The quake didn't trigger any tsunami for sure," Dwikorita Karnawati, head of Indonesia's geophysics agency, said.

The tremor comes after a 7.5-magnitude quake and subsequent tsunami struck off the Indonesian island of Sulawesi -- around 1,000 kilometres northeast of Situbondo -- last month, killing more than 2,000 people.

A string of earthquakes in Lombok in eastern Indonesia killed more than 550 people over the summer.

Indonesia, one of the most disaster-prone nations on earth, straddles the so-called Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide and many of the world's volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur. 
&nbsp;

At least three people were killed as a shallow 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia's Java and Bali islands Thursday, a government official said.

At least three people were killed as a shallow 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia's Java and Bali islands Thursday, a government official said. The victims in East Java's Sumenep district perished after being crushed by collapsed buildings, national disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said. "The earthquake happened early Thursday when they were sleeping and the quake suddenly rocked so they didn't have time to evacuate," he said, adding that damage caused by the tremor was not widespread. The strong quake was felt in Denpasar on the holiday island of Bali, where panicked people fled from buildings. "Wow, that was really strong and it lasted a long time," said a woman named Davy who took refuge in the parking lot of a Bali hotel, several kilometres from where the IMF and World Bank are holding their annual meetings this week. Some guests at the hotel in Nusa Dua, south of Bali's main international airport, briefly fled outside after the strong tremor shook the building. "The quake was very big. I immediately woke up and took my little kids out of the house," Ni Komang Sudiani said. "All my neighbours were also running," said the mother of two. The tremor's epicentre was in the Bali Sea around 40 kilometres (25 miles) off the eastern end of Java island, according to the United States Geological Survey. The quake was also felt in Surabaya, the capital of East Java province, which is about 200 kilometres from Situbondo, the nearest town to the quake epicentre. "I felt it for about 10 seconds. People were sleeping but got woken up by it," Tonny Akbar Mahendro said. No tsunami warning was issued for the earthquake. "The quake didn't trigger any tsunami for sure," Dwikorita Karnawati, head of Indonesia's geophysics agency, said. The tremor comes after a 7.5-magnitude quake and subsequent tsunami struck off the Indonesian island of Sulawesi -- around 1,000 kilometres northeast of Situbondo -- last month, killing more than 2,000 people. A string of earthquakes in Lombok in eastern Indonesia killed more than 550 people over the summer. Indonesia, one of the most disaster-prone nations on earth, straddles the so-called Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide and many of the world's volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur.

Three killed as strong quake rocks Indonesia's Java, Bali

Indonesia has called off the search for those killed in a 7.5-magnitude earthquake and tsunami on Sulawesi island on September 28. Here are the latest figures from the disaster.

- 2,073 - 
The total number of bodies recovered by Indonesian search and rescue teams, the national disaster agency said Thursday.

- 5,000 - 
Those still believed missing somewhere beneath Balaroa and Petobo, two of Palu's worst-hit areas.

- 994 - 
Victims buried in mass graves to prevent the spread of disease. The remainder were laid to rest by their families.

- 3 - 
Monuments and green spaces planned as memorials to quake victims in Palu and nearby Sigi district.

- 18,353 - 
Those who fled Palu in the aftermath of the disaster.

- 1600 - 
The number of inmates still on the run nearly two weeks after the quake brought down the walls of six prisons.

- 11 - 
The maximum height, in metres (36 feet), that the tsunami reached as it barrelled through Palu Bay and smashed into the foreshore.

- 522 - 
Aftershocks that have rattled the disaster-ravaged city since the main quake.&nbsp;

- 200,000 - 
Those in dire need of humanitarian assistance in Palu and surrounds.

- 10,679 - 
Total injured in the disaster, one quarter of them seriously.

-87,725 - 
Displaced by the quake, with many living in tents outside their damaged homes or in emergency shelters.

- 2 - 
The number of years it could take before all these people are back in homes.

Indonesia has called off the search for those killed in a 7.5-magnitude earthquake and tsunami on Sulawesi island on September 28. Here are the latest figures from the disaster.

Indonesia has called off the search for those killed in a 7.5-magnitude earthquake and tsunami on Sulawesi island on September 28. Here are the latest figures from the disaster. - 2,073 - The total number of bodies recovered by Indonesian search and rescue teams, the national disaster agency said Thursday. - 5,000 - Those still believed missing somewhere beneath Balaroa and Petobo, two of Palu's worst-hit areas. - 994 - Victims buried in mass graves to prevent the spread of disease. The remainder were laid to rest by their families. - 3 - Monuments and green spaces planned as memorials to quake victims in Palu and nearby Sigi district. - 18,353 - Those who fled Palu in the aftermath of the disaster. - 1600 - The number of inmates still on the run nearly two weeks after the quake brought down the walls of six prisons. - 11 - The maximum height, in metres (36 feet), that the tsunami reached as it barrelled through Palu Bay and smashed into the foreshore. - 522 - Aftershocks that have rattled the disaster-ravaged city since the main quake. - 200,000 - Those in dire need of humanitarian assistance in Palu and surrounds. - 10,679 - Total injured in the disaster, one quarter of them seriously. -87,725 - Displaced by the quake, with many living in tents outside their damaged homes or in emergency shelters. - 2 - The number of years it could take before all these people are back in homes.

Taking a toll: Indonesia quake-disaster in numbers

An earthquake hit northern Haiti late on Saturday, killing at least 14 people and sparking a scramble by rescue agencies to help residents of the worst-hit towns in the impoverished Caribbean country.

A local official said at least eight people died in Port-de-Paix on the northern coast near the epicenter of the magnitude 5.9 quake, which struck at a depth of 11.7 kilometres (7.3 miles), according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Four people were killed in and around the town of Gros-Morne farther south, local authorities said, including a woman who died from a heart attack suffered after the quake.

Another person was killed in the town of Chansolme when a house collapsed and one other person in Saint-Louis-du-Nord. Rescue teams fanned out to help residents, many of whom were still dealing with the trauma of a devastating earthquake in 2010.

A magnitude 5.2 aftershock on Sunday afternoon sent people rushing into the street in Port-de-Paix, with many vowing that they would not sleep inside their houses that night.

Marie Lourdes Estainvil, 45, raised her hands and loudly sang, "Jesus, we need your presence among us!" as others gathered.

There were no immediate reports of further damage from the aftershock.

President Jovenel Moise said he would send additional police and military to the region, promising to assist the families of victims.

Some houses in the worst-affected areas were destroyed by the earthquake, the agency said. The full extent of the damage was not clear though in parts of Port-de-Paix residents tried to go about their business normally on Sunday.

A local government representative said 152 people were injured in Port-de-Paix, and the most seriously hurt were taken by air ambulance to the capital Port-au-Prince for treatment. Another 30 were injured in Gros-Morne.

Among the damaged buildings was a church in the northern town of Plaisance, the civil protection agency said, adding that additional food and medical supplies were on their way to the most battered towns.

The tremor was one of the strongest to batter Haiti since the 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck near the capital in 2010. It killed tens of thousands of people.

An earthquake hit northern Haiti late on Saturday, killing at least 14 people and sparking a scramble by rescue agencies to help residents of the worst-hit towns in the impoverished Caribbean country.

An earthquake hit northern Haiti late on Saturday, killing at least 14 people and sparking a scramble by rescue agencies to help residents of the worst-hit towns in the impoverished Caribbean country. A local official said at least eight people died in Port-de-Paix on the northern coast near the epicenter of the magnitude 5.9 quake, which struck at a depth of 11.7 kilometres (7.3 miles), according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Four people were killed in and around the town of Gros-Morne farther south, local authorities said, including a woman who died from a heart attack suffered after the quake. Another person was killed in the town of Chansolme when a house collapsed and one other person in Saint-Louis-du-Nord. Rescue teams fanned out to help residents, many of whom were still dealing with the trauma of a devastating earthquake in 2010. A magnitude 5.2 aftershock on Sunday afternoon sent people rushing into the street in Port-de-Paix, with many vowing that they would not sleep inside their houses that night. Marie Lourdes Estainvil, 45, raised her hands and loudly sang, "Jesus, we need your presence among us!" as others gathered. There were no immediate reports of further damage from the aftershock. President Jovenel Moise said he would send additional police and military to the region, promising to assist the families of victims. Some houses in the worst-affected areas were destroyed by the earthquake, the agency said. The full extent of the damage was not clear though in parts of Port-de-Paix residents tried to go about their business normally on Sunday. A local government representative said 152 people were injured in Port-de-Paix, and the most seriously hurt were taken by air ambulance to the capital Port-au-Prince for treatment. Another 30 were injured in Gros-Morne. Among the damaged buildings was a church in the northern town of Plaisance, the civil protection agency said, adding that additional food and medical supplies were on their way to the most battered towns. The tremor was one of the strongest to batter Haiti since the 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck near the capital in 2010. It killed tens of thousands of people.

Haiti quake kills at least 14, aftershock jolts nervous residents

Nearly 2000 bodies have been recovered from Palu since an earthquake and tsunami struck the Indonesian city, an official said Monday, warning the number would rise with thousands still missing.

The death toll from the twin disaster on Sulawesi island that erased whole suburbs in Palu has reached 1,944, said local military spokesman M. Thohir.

"That number is expected to rise, because we have not received orders to halt the search for bodies," Thohir, who is also a member of the government's official Palu quake taskforce, told AFP on Monday.

Authorities have said as many as 5,000 are believed missing in two hard-hit areas since the September 28 disaster -- indicating far more may have perished than the current toll.

Hopes of finding anyone alive have faded and the search for survivors amid the wreckage has turned to gathering and accounting for the dead.

The disaster agency said the official search for the unaccounted would continue until October 11 at which point they would be listed as missing, presumed dead.

The government has said it will declare those communities flattened in Palu as mass graves and leave them untouched.

Gopal, whose aunt and uncle are missing, picked through wreckage Monday knowing just days were left to find his loved ones.

"Even if they (search teams) stop looking, we will still try to find them ourselves," the 40-year-old said in Balaroa, one of the hardest hit neighbourhoods.

"When we can no longer do it ourselves, we leave it to Allah," Gopal, who like many Indonesians goes by one name, added.

Excavators and rescuers combed Balaroa on Monday, where a massive government housing complex was all but swallowed up by the disaster.

Rescuers have struggled to extract decomposing bodies from the tangled mess left behind.

Officials say as many as 5,000 people were feared buried at Balaroa and Petobo, another decimated community.

Petobo, a cluster of villages, was subsumed when vibrations from the 7.5-magnitude quake turned soil to quicksand -- a process known as liquefaction.

Relief efforts have escalated to assist 200,000 people in desperate need. Food and clean water remain in short supply, and many are dependent entirely on handouts to survive.

Helicopters have been running supply drops to more isolated communities outside Palu, where the full extent of the damage is still not entirely clear.

The Red Cross said Monday it had treated more than 1,800 people at medical clinics and administered first aid to a similar number in the immediate disaster zone.&nbsp;

Indonesia sits along the world's most tectonically active region, and its 260 million people are vulnerable to earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions.

Nearly 2000 bodies have been recovered from Palu since an earthquake and tsunami struck the Indonesian city, an official said Monday, warning the number would rise with thousands still missing.

Nearly 2000 bodies have been recovered from Palu since an earthquake and tsunami struck the Indonesian city, an official said Monday, warning the number would rise with thousands still missing. The death toll from the twin disaster on Sulawesi island that erased whole suburbs in Palu has reached 1,944, said local military spokesman M. Thohir. "That number is expected to rise, because we have not received orders to halt the search for bodies," Thohir, who is also a member of the government's official Palu quake taskforce, told AFP on Monday. Authorities have said as many as 5,000 are believed missing in two hard-hit areas since the September 28 disaster -- indicating far more may have perished than the current toll. Hopes of finding anyone alive have faded and the search for survivors amid the wreckage has turned to gathering and accounting for the dead. The disaster agency said the official search for the unaccounted would continue until October 11 at which point they would be listed as missing, presumed dead. The government has said it will declare those communities flattened in Palu as mass graves and leave them untouched. Gopal, whose aunt and uncle are missing, picked through wreckage Monday knowing just days were left to find his loved ones. "Even if they (search teams) stop looking, we will still try to find them ourselves," the 40-year-old said in Balaroa, one of the hardest hit neighbourhoods. "When we can no longer do it ourselves, we leave it to Allah," Gopal, who like many Indonesians goes by one name, added. Excavators and rescuers combed Balaroa on Monday, where a massive government housing complex was all but swallowed up by the disaster. Rescuers have struggled to extract decomposing bodies from the tangled mess left behind. Officials say as many as 5,000 people were feared buried at Balaroa and Petobo, another decimated community. Petobo, a cluster of villages, was subsumed when vibrations from the 7.5-magnitude quake turned soil to quicksand -- a process known as liquefaction. Relief efforts have escalated to assist 200,000 people in desperate need. Food and clean water remain in short supply, and many are dependent entirely on handouts to survive. Helicopters have been running supply drops to more isolated communities outside Palu, where the full extent of the damage is still not entirely clear. The Red Cross said Monday it had treated more than 1,800 people at medical clinics and administered first aid to a similar number in the immediate disaster zone. Indonesia sits along the world's most tectonically active region, and its 260 million people are vulnerable to earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions.

More bodies found as death toll from Indonesia quake nears 2,000

An earthquake of 4.6 magnitude&nbsp;struck parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday.

According to reports, the tremors were felt around&nbsp;8:30 in the morning with the depth of 106 km.

So far there is no report of any damage or casualty.

More details awaited.

Over 80,000 people were killed on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) by an earthquake that occurred on October 8, 2005.

&nbsp;

An earthquake of 4.6 magnitude struck parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday. According to reports, the tremors were felt around 8:30 in the morning with the depth of 106 km.

An earthquake of 4.6 magnitude struck parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday. According to reports, the tremors were felt around 8:30 in the morning with the depth of 106 km. So far there is no report of any damage or casualty. More details awaited. Over 80,000 people were killed on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) by an earthquake that occurred on October 8, 2005.

4.6 magnitude earthquake hits parts of Jammu and Kashmir

Indonesian rescue workers will stop searching for the bodies of victims of an earthquake and tsunami on the island of Sulawesi on Thursday, the national disaster mitigation agency said on Sunday.

The announcement came after the official death toll from the 7.5 magnitude quake and a tsunami it triggered on Sept. 28 rose to 1,763.

Bodies are still being recovered, especially from the ruins of buildings in the small city of Palu and from neighbourhoods hit by liquefaction, a phenomenon that turns the ground into a roiling quagmire, in the south of city.

"Evacuation stops on October 11," the national disaster mitigation agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho told a news briefing, using an Indonesian word that applies to the search and retrieval of both living and dead people.

"Victims who have not been found are declared missing," he said. Some limited searching might still be undertaken but large-scale searches with many personnel and heavy equipment would cease, he said.

Many hundreds of people are still buried in mud and debris in the south of Palu, where neighbourhoods were obliterated by liquefaction and desperate relatives have been seeking help to find loved ones.

Dozens of rescuers removed 34 bodies from one place on Saturday.

Nugroho said the debris would be removed from those places and they would be turned into public spaces like parks and sports venues. Surveys would be carried out and people living in areas vulnerable to liquefaction would be moved.

"We don't want the community to be relocated to such dangerous places," he said.

Most of the dead have been found in Palu, the region's main urban centre.

Figures for more remote areas, some just re-connected to the outside world by road, are trickling in. The heaviest casualties appear to have been in Palu.

PRAYERS

One grieving father appeared resigned to the fact the search for victims will end within days.

"What’s the point anyway? At this stage they are not even recognisable," said Ondre, 38, who makes toys for a living.

His wife and two daughters were swept away in the tsunami that hit Palu's seafront shortly after the earthquake.

He found the bodies of his wife and older daughter but is still looking for his younger daughter, aged two.

Speaking by a mass grave atop a hill overlooking Palu's bay as the sun began to set, Ondre said he had come to offer prayers for his little daughter.

"I don’t want her to feel like her father never tried to find her. My soul wouldn’t rest," he said.

Sulawesi is one of Indonesia's five main islands and, like the others, is exposed to frequent earthquakes and tsunamis.

In 2004, a quake off Sumatra island triggered a tsunami across the Indian Ocean that killed 226,000 people in 13 countries, including more than 120,000 in Indonesia.

Earlier on Sunday, dozens of Christians gathered outside ruined churches for open-air services to give thanks for their survival and to mourn members of their congregation killed in the disaster.

Indonesia has the world's biggest Muslim population but there are Christian communities throughout the archipelago, including in Palu.

"We are so relieved to be alive but sad because so many of our congregation died," said Dewi Febriani, a 26-year-old economics student, after a service in a tent set up outside the Toraja Church in Jono Oge village, just south of Palu.

Jono Oge was particularly hard hit by liquefaction.

Dozens of teenagers at a nearby church and Bible camp were killed. Many of their bodies lie buried in the mud.

A big aid operation is gearing up to help hard-hit communities where some 70,000 people have been displaced.

Indonesian rescue workers will stop searching for the bodies of victims of an earthquake and tsunami on the island of Sulawesi on Thursday, the national disaster mitigation agency said on Sunday.

Indonesian rescue workers will stop searching for the bodies of victims of an earthquake and tsunami on the island of Sulawesi on Thursday, the national disaster mitigation agency said on Sunday. The announcement came after the official death toll from the 7.5 magnitude quake and a tsunami it triggered on Sept. 28 rose to 1,763. Bodies are still being recovered, especially from the ruins of buildings in the small city of Palu and from neighbourhoods hit by liquefaction, a phenomenon that turns the ground into a roiling quagmire, in the south of city. "Evacuation stops on October 11," the national disaster mitigation agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho told a news briefing, using an Indonesian word that applies to the search and retrieval of both living and dead people. "Victims who have not been found are declared missing," he said. Some limited searching might still be undertaken but large-scale searches with many personnel and heavy equipment would cease, he said. Many hundreds of people are still buried in mud and debris in the south of Palu, where neighbourhoods were obliterated by liquefaction and desperate relatives have been seeking help to find loved ones. Dozens of rescuers removed 34 bodies from one place on Saturday. Nugroho said the debris would be removed from those places and they would be turned into public spaces like parks and sports venues. Surveys would be carried out and people living in areas vulnerable to liquefaction would be moved. "We don't want the community to be relocated to such dangerous places," he said. Most of the dead have been found in Palu, the region's main urban centre. Figures for more remote areas, some just re-connected to the outside world by road, are trickling in. The heaviest casualties appear to have been in Palu. PRAYERS One grieving father appeared resigned to the fact the search for victims will end within days. "What’s the point anyway? At this stage they are not even recognisable," said Ondre, 38, who makes toys for a living. His wife and two daughters were swept away in the tsunami that hit Palu's seafront shortly after the earthquake. He found the bodies of his wife and older daughter but is still looking for his younger daughter, aged two. Speaking by a mass grave atop a hill overlooking Palu's bay as the sun began to set, Ondre said he had come to offer prayers for his little daughter. "I don’t want her to feel like her father never tried to find her. My soul wouldn’t rest," he said. Sulawesi is one of Indonesia's five main islands and, like the others, is exposed to frequent earthquakes and tsunamis. In 2004, a quake off Sumatra island triggered a tsunami across the Indian Ocean that killed 226,000 people in 13 countries, including more than 120,000 in Indonesia. Earlier on Sunday, dozens of Christians gathered outside ruined churches for open-air services to give thanks for their survival and to mourn members of their congregation killed in the disaster. Indonesia has the world's biggest Muslim population but there are Christian communities throughout the archipelago, including in Palu. "We are so relieved to be alive but sad because so many of our congregation died," said Dewi Febriani, a 26-year-old economics student, after a service in a tent set up outside the Toraja Church in Jono Oge village, just south of Palu. Jono Oge was particularly hard hit by liquefaction. Dozens of teenagers at a nearby church and Bible camp were killed. Many of their bodies lie buried in the mud. A big aid operation is gearing up to help hard-hit communities where some 70,000 people have been displaced.

Indonesia says to end search for quake victims on Thursday

Rescuers picking through the grim aftermath of Indonesia's quake-tsunami issued a fresh public health warning Saturday as more decaying corpses were unearthed from beneath the ruined city of Palu.

More than a thousand people may still be missing in the seaside city on Sulawesi island, officials said, after the region was hit by a powerful quake and a wall of water, with the official death toll now at 1,571.

Hopes of finding anyone alive a full eight days since the disaster have all but faded, though Indonesian authorities have not officially called off the search for survivors.

There are fears that vast numbers of decomposing bodies could be buried beneath Petobo and Balaroa -- two areas virtually wiped off the map -- and authorities have warned survivors to steer clear as they brace for more macabre discoveries.

"Most of the bodies we have found are not intact, and that poses a danger for the rescuers. We have to be very careful to avoid contamination," Yusuf Latif, a spokesman for Indonesia's search and rescue effort, told AFP from Palu.

"We have vaccinated our teams, but we need to be extra cautious as they are exposed to health hazards. This is also a health concern for the public. It is very hard to control the crowd... People might be exposed to danger."

'Just bodies'

At a massive government housing complex at Balaroa, where the sheer force of the quake turned the earth temporarily to mush, soldiers in face masks clambered over the giant mounds of mud, brick and cement.

The troops peeking under collapsed walls and peeling back corrugated sheets do not have to look hard.

Sergeant Syafaruddin, from an army unit in Makassar south of Palu, asks for a body bag to be brought across to a spot near where the remnants of an Islamic school now stands.

Two of his soldiers emerge from the ditch with the body bag sagging in the middle but looking too light to be a corpse -- they say they found the heads of two adults and one child.&nbsp;

"There are no survivors here. We just find bodies, every day," says Syafaruddin, who like many Indonesians goes by one name.

At another spot, a digger is called to turn over the devastated remains of a home. With almost no effort he unearths the body of a long haired lady buried in mud.

At the flattened Hotel Roa-Roa -- where early optimism that survivors might be found faded as the days wore on and tropical heat intensified -- search teams also prepared body bags.&nbsp;

Rescuers reviewed CCTV footage Saturday to get a sense of where the doomed guests could be buried beneath the impenetrable mountain of twisted rubble.

Short supplies

Survivors have ransacked shops and supply trucks in the hunt for basic necessities, prompting security forces to round up dozens of suspected looters and warn that they will open fire on thieves.

Hundreds of people Saturday rushed a truck carrying gas cylinders for cooking, with long and desperate queues quickly forming.&nbsp;

One supermarket that opened its doors refused to allow people inside, instead passing goods through the door as armed troops stood watch.

"We have not raised prices at all. However, we are not letting customers inside for safety reasons. The building survived the earthquake, but we don't know how safe it is," said Satria Hamid, a spokesman for the Transmart Carrefour supermarket.

Thousands of survivors continued to stream out of Palu to nearby cities in the aftermath of the disaster.

Hospitals remain overstretched and short on staff and supplies.

Project HOPE, a medical NGO, said only two of its 82 staff in Palu had reported for duty since the quake.

"We still don’t know the fate of the clinic doctors, nurses and technicians who usually staff the clinic," the organisation said in a statement.

A floating hospital run by the Indonesian navy and docked in Palu port has already assisted with the delivery of a baby, local media reported.

Aid trickles in

The United Nations said Friday it was seeking $50.5 million "for immediate relief" to help victims of the devastating quake and tsunami in Indonesia.

After days of delays, international aid is slowly making its way to the disaster zone, where the UN says almost 200,000 people need humanitarian assistance.

Indonesia had been reluctant to accept outside help at first but as the scale of the disaster became clear the government agreed to allow in foreign aid. 
Getting vital supplies to the affected areas has proved hugely challenging, with the number of flights able to land at Palu's small airport still limited, leaving aid workers facing gruelling overland journeys.

Oxfam had sent water treatment units and purification kits to Palu and Swiss aid teams on the ground were providing drinking water and emergency shelter, both said in statements Saturday.

Indonesia sits along the Pacific "Ring of Fire", the world's most tectonically active region, and its 260 million people are vulnerable to earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions.

Rescuers picking through the grim aftermath of Indonesia's quake-tsunami issued a fresh public health warning Saturday as more decaying corpses were unearthed from beneath the ruined city of Palu.

Rescuers picking through the grim aftermath of Indonesia's quake-tsunami issued a fresh public health warning Saturday as more decaying corpses were unearthed from beneath the ruined city of Palu. More than a thousand people may still be missing in the seaside city on Sulawesi island, officials said, after the region was hit by a powerful quake and a wall of water, with the official death toll now at 1,571. Hopes of finding anyone alive a full eight days since the disaster have all but faded, though Indonesian authorities have not officially called off the search for survivors. There are fears that vast numbers of decomposing bodies could be buried beneath Petobo and Balaroa -- two areas virtually wiped off the map -- and authorities have warned survivors to steer clear as they brace for more macabre discoveries. "Most of the bodies we have found are not intact, and that poses a danger for the rescuers. We have to be very careful to avoid contamination," Yusuf Latif, a spokesman for Indonesia's search and rescue effort, told AFP from Palu. "We have vaccinated our teams, but we need to be extra cautious as they are exposed to health hazards. This is also a health concern for the public. It is very hard to control the crowd... People might be exposed to danger." 'Just bodies' At a massive government housing complex at Balaroa, where the sheer force of the quake turned the earth temporarily to mush, soldiers in face masks clambered over the giant mounds of mud, brick and cement. The troops peeking under collapsed walls and peeling back corrugated sheets do not have to look hard. Sergeant Syafaruddin, from an army unit in Makassar south of Palu, asks for a body bag to be brought across to a spot near where the remnants of an Islamic school now stands. Two of his soldiers emerge from the ditch with the body bag sagging in the middle but looking too light to be a corpse -- they say they found the heads of two adults and one child. "There are no survivors here. We just find bodies, every day," says Syafaruddin, who like many Indonesians goes by one name. At another spot, a digger is called to turn over the devastated remains of a home. With almost no effort he unearths the body of a long haired lady buried in mud. At the flattened Hotel Roa-Roa -- where early optimism that survivors might be found faded as the days wore on and tropical heat intensified -- search teams also prepared body bags. Rescuers reviewed CCTV footage Saturday to get a sense of where the doomed guests could be buried beneath the impenetrable mountain of twisted rubble. Short supplies Survivors have ransacked shops and supply trucks in the hunt for basic necessities, prompting security forces to round up dozens of suspected looters and warn that they will open fire on thieves. Hundreds of people Saturday rushed a truck carrying gas cylinders for cooking, with long and desperate queues quickly forming. One supermarket that opened its doors refused to allow people inside, instead passing goods through the door as armed troops stood watch. "We have not raised prices at all. However, we are not letting customers inside for safety reasons. The building survived the earthquake, but we don't know how safe it is," said Satria Hamid, a spokesman for the Transmart Carrefour supermarket. Thousands of survivors continued to stream out of Palu to nearby cities in the aftermath of the disaster. Hospitals remain overstretched and short on staff and supplies. Project HOPE, a medical NGO, said only two of its 82 staff in Palu had reported for duty since the quake. "We still don’t know the fate of the clinic doctors, nurses and technicians who usually staff the clinic," the organisation said in a statement. A floating hospital run by the Indonesian navy and docked in Palu port has already assisted with the delivery of a baby, local media reported. Aid trickles in The United Nations said Friday it was seeking $50.5 million "for immediate relief" to help victims of the devastating quake and tsunami in Indonesia. After days of delays, international aid is slowly making its way to the disaster zone, where the UN says almost 200,000 people need humanitarian assistance. Indonesia had been reluctant to accept outside help at first but as the scale of the disaster became clear the government agreed to allow in foreign aid. Getting vital supplies to the affected areas has proved hugely challenging, with the number of flights able to land at Palu's small airport still limited, leaving aid workers facing gruelling overland journeys. Oxfam had sent water treatment units and purification kits to Palu and Swiss aid teams on the ground were providing drinking water and emergency shelter, both said in statements Saturday. Indonesia sits along the Pacific "Ring of Fire", the world's most tectonically active region, and its 260 million people are vulnerable to earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions.

Disease fears as more bodies found in Indonesia disaster

The search and rescue agency has stated that over 1,000 people may still be missing in Indonesia disaster.

Search teams made desperate last-ditch efforts Friday to find survivors, a week on from Indonesia's devastating quake-tsunami, as the death toll from the disaster rose above 1,500.

The city of Palu on Sulawesi island has been left in ruins after being hit by a 7.5 magnitude quake and a &nbsp;wall of water, which flattened homes, ripped up trees and overturned cars.

After days of delays, international aid has finally started to arrive in the disaster zone, where the UN says almost 200,000 people are in need of humanitarian assistance.

Survivors have ransacked shops and supply trucks in the hunt for basic necessities, prompting security forces to round up dozens of suspected looters and warn that they will fire on thieves.

Authorities previously set a tentative deadline of Friday for finding anyone trapped under ruined buildings, although chances of pulling survivors alive from the rubble at such a late stage are almost zero.

Local military spokesman Muhammad Thohir said that the death toll had risen to 1,558, up about 100 from the previous official figure.

Over 1000 people are still unaccounted for, while hundreds of bodies have been buried in mass graves in a bid to avert a disease outbreak from corpses rotting in the tropical sun.

Search efforts focused on eight key locations Friday, including a beach and the Balaroa area where the sheer force of the quake turned the earth temporarily to mush.

"We have to use heavy equipment now because it is very difficult to sift through the rubble by hand," Yusuf Latif, a spokesman for Indonesia's search and rescue agency, told AFP.

At the badly damaged Mercure hotel on Palu's waterfront, there was growing frustration among a French and Indonesian search team.

The rescuers, using sniffer dogs and scanners, had detected what they believed was a person under mounds of rubble the previous evening but when they resumed the hunt early Friday, any signs of life had disappeared.

&nbsp;

The search and rescue agency has stated that over 1,000 people may still be missing in Indonesia disaster. Search teams made desperate last-ditch efforts Friday to find survivors, a week on from Indonesia's devastating quake-tsunami, as the death toll from the disaster rose above 1,500.

The search and rescue agency has stated that over 1,000 people may still be missing in Indonesia disaster. Search teams made desperate last-ditch efforts Friday to find survivors, a week on from Indonesia's devastating quake-tsunami, as the death toll from the disaster rose above 1,500. The city of Palu on Sulawesi island has been left in ruins after being hit by a 7.5 magnitude quake and a wall of water, which flattened homes, ripped up trees and overturned cars. After days of delays, international aid has finally started to arrive in the disaster zone, where the UN says almost 200,000 people are in need of humanitarian assistance. Survivors have ransacked shops and supply trucks in the hunt for basic necessities, prompting security forces to round up dozens of suspected looters and warn that they will fire on thieves. Authorities previously set a tentative deadline of Friday for finding anyone trapped under ruined buildings, although chances of pulling survivors alive from the rubble at such a late stage are almost zero. Local military spokesman Muhammad Thohir said that the death toll had risen to 1,558, up about 100 from the previous official figure. Over 1000 people are still unaccounted for, while hundreds of bodies have been buried in mass graves in a bid to avert a disease outbreak from corpses rotting in the tropical sun. Search efforts focused on eight key locations Friday, including a beach and the Balaroa area where the sheer force of the quake turned the earth temporarily to mush. "We have to use heavy equipment now because it is very difficult to sift through the rubble by hand," Yusuf Latif, a spokesman for Indonesia's search and rescue agency, told AFP. At the badly damaged Mercure hotel on Palu's waterfront, there was growing frustration among a French and Indonesian search team. The rescuers, using sniffer dogs and scanners, had detected what they believed was a person under mounds of rubble the previous evening but when they resumed the hunt early Friday, any signs of life had disappeared.

Over 1000 may still be missing in Indonesia disaster: Rescue agency

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