Earthquake deaths down

Press, 18 February 1983, Page 16

Earthquake deaths down

AAP Washington Earthquake deaths fell substantially last year although there were more significant 'quakes, according to the United States Geological Survev.

A ' geophysicist. Mr Waverly Person, said there were 3330 deaths from earthquakes throughout the world in 1982. down from 5239 in 1981 and significantly below the annual average of 10,000 fatalities. Even so. Mr Person noted that there were 56 significant

earthquakes reported during the year, about average, but six more than the year before.

The survey defines a significant earthquake as one registering 6.5 or more on the Richter scale or one of smaller force that causes significant damage or casualties. The Richter scale is a measure of the force of an earthquake as shown by ground motion. Each increase of one whole number indicates an increase of 10

times in strength. An earthquake of 6.5 can cause considerable damage.

The deadliest earthquake of last year occurred on December 13 in North Yemen, when a six magnitude shock killed 1500 people and left more than 700.000 homeless in 300 villages.

Last year's strongest earthquake’ was measured at 7.7 on the Richter scale. It occurred on December 19 in the Tonga- Islands, but no damage or casualties were reported.