Observations on Structural Damage
Figure […]
Observations about the tsunami alert
The layover in Honolulu has had some positive outcomes. I was able to visit with Chip McCreery, the geophysicist in charge of Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) and Brian Yanagi of ITIC. I first met Chip in 1997 when I was in Hawaii working on the strategic plan for the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program (NTHMP). He […]
The South Pacific Islands Earthquake and Tsunami of 29th September 2009
Read the report: A Preliminary Field Report by EEFIT (5.9 MB PDF)
Eye-witness Account from Boat
The most interesting piece of information I’ve gotten in the past day is an account from a family who were in a boat in Pago Pago harbor during the tsunami – courtesy of HSU alum Orion George. The most jarring part of this account to me is the failure to adequately educate people about what to […]
Interviews from the Field
Read the interviews: http://walrus.wr.usgs.gov/news/samoainterviews.html
Community Education & Evacuation Planning Saved Lives
Community Education and Evacuation Planning Saved Lives in Sept. 29 Samoan Tsunami, Researchers Say Community-based education and awareness programs minimized the death toll from the recent Samoan tsunami, though there are still ways to improve the warning and evacuation process, according to a team of researchers that traveled to Samoa last month. The team, funded […]
Initial Damage Photos from Kerry Sieh
Figure 1. Figure 2. Figure 3. Figure 4. Figure 5. Figure 6. Figure 7. Figure 8.
Satellite-based Damage Assessment Maps Available
There are currently 10 maps in the series, available by clicking here. Satellite Map – Preliminary Damage Assessment Map of City of Padang, Northern Part, Indonesia, 1:10.000 Satellite Map – Preliminary Damage Assessment Map of City of Padang, Southern Part, Indonesia, 1:10.000 Reported Building Damage: Detail Map of City of Padang, Indonesia, 1:7.50 Reported Building Damage: Overview […]
Performance of Dutch Colonial Era Buildings
These art deco style buildings were an integral part of the original spice trade routes, using the Batang Arau as a trading port. The structures in this area are mostly tall two-story buildings, built with unreinforced brick masonry walls usually two-wythes wide. The buildings have wood floor and roof truss framing, with no substantial connection […]
Performance of Hospitals: Bunda Medical Centre
Both towers suffered extensive damage in the earthquake, though neither is in danger of collapse. The hospital staff has evacuated both buildings and has erected a tent in the parking lot to provide clinical services. One of the nurses told us that everyone, including patients, were able to safely evacuate the buildings after the earthquake […]