DESTRUCTIVE.

Feilding Star, Volume XIII, Issue 3293, 16 July 1917, Page 3

DESTRUCTIVE.

EARTHQUAKE.AND TIDAL WAA'K

IN SAMOA

[TIB PHESB ASSOCIATION.] *> Auckland, July 16. Particulars received concerning the earthquake and tidal wave which visited the Samoan group on June 25, show that alarming tremors, extended over a period of 2min. Buildings were violently shaken, the Customhouse concrete building was eonsiderabh damaged, and residences and stoics suffered, but to a less extent. Many subsidences occurred, one near the principal stores being about '101't square. The earthquake readied its m: xiiiium in the mo'intams of (.he. interior. The. ground wi*s agitated like a w.av« of the ocean. Acres of trees were uprooted and masses of rodshot down the mountain sides.

The earthquake was followed by (a tidal wave, the full force of which was experienced on tho side opposite to Apia. It was also severely felt on flip Lipata coast at Lolofaja, Savaii, and Pago Pago. Tho tide was doarl low. but tho sea swept over the beach into th,- adjacent native houses, carrying •nervthing before it. Tho inhabitants fieri,' terror-stricken, to the hills. The Mormon church at Pago Pago was demolished.

Tho wave was almost spent on reaching Haapai. but it caused the loss of several cutters and Hooded shops and dwellings.