Unusual Earthquake Kills Thousands in Java
Saturday May 27, 2006
Saturday morning local time, a magnitude 6.3 shock affected the Javan city of Yogyakarta, which is already threatened by the erupting Merapi volcano. The death toll was near 3000 twelve hours later. Unlike the usual deep event in this area generated by subduction-related thrust, this was a strike-slip earthquake only 10 kilometers deep. Its shallow location, coupled with the generally poor construction of old city buildings, led to widespread destruction. It may be related to the volcanism, but not in a direct sense. Follow this event on the USGS's special page.
Comments
I lived and grew at klaten, central java, i passed trough earthquake somtimes but never that big. my family said that our house ruined.thousands were died. any suggestion how to predict it ?
My heart goes out to your family, Siti. It will be many years, if ever, before earthquakes can routinely be predicted. But in areas where earthquakes are known–and Java certainly is one–buildings must be suitablly constructed. Only good human practices can help us against this geological event.