Serious Earthquake.

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXV, Issue 3262, 3 February 1931, Page 5

Serious Earthquake.

NAPIER IN FLAMES. NOT A BRICK BUILDING LEFT STANDING UNCONFIRMED REPORT OF GREAT LOSS OF LIFE HAVOC IN HAWKE’S BAY DISTRICT. _ ' (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) Wellington, this day. The Secretary of the Post and Telegraph Department repoited shortly before noon to-day as follows: — “All telegraphic communication was lost with Napier from 10.48 a.m. The lines are interrupted at Takapau on this side, and fiom the Auckland side between Taupo and Napier. “The motor vessel Taranaki, which was at anchor in Napier roadstead, reports a heavy earthquake at Napier, and states that the oil tanks at Port Ahuriri caught fire and are now ablaze. The steamer also reports that the Bluff at Napier has been carried away and there are clouds of landslides all around the bay. At 11.20 a.m. the steamship Northumberland reported that she was proceeding to sea from the Napier roadstead owing to the water shallowing rapidly. Communication with Gisborne is. cut off on account of the fact that it is made through Napier.” Two warships that were in the Harbour at the time were washed by a tidal wave and then washed back to sea. There is not a brick building left in Napier and fire is ravaging the town. Great loss of life is feared, but it is impossible to estimate the number. H.M.S. Dunedin, which was under orders to proceed to England, has had her orders cancelled, and left for Napier with 15 doctors and a number of nurses aboard. H.M.S. Diomede left Auckland at 2.5 p.m. for Napier with medical equipment and stores for Napier.

Reports from all parts of the Hawke's Bay district announce widespread devastation throughout the Province, but it is as yet impossible to estimate the damage or loss of life.

RAILWAY VIADUCT DAMAGED. TRAFFIC HELD UP. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) Wellington, this day. The Railway Department reports that the viaduct on the line between Takapau and Kopua,* about 30 miles north of Woodville, has been damaged. A train with passengers has returned to Takapau and a repair gang has left for the scene of damage. CONSTERNATION AT WOODVILLE. FALLING CHIMNEYS AND BREAKING GLASS. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) Woodville, this day. A tremendous earthquake occurred here about 10.40 this morning. It was preceded by a loud rumbling roar and continued for nearly half a minute. People indoors rushed into streets. Falling chimneys, cracking glass, with swaying trees and telegraph poles, created consternation. It was the worst shock ever experienced in the district. Chimneys were down in all directions and much damage done to shops and private houses. Several narrow escapes occurred, but no personal injury is reported. Women fainted in one or two cases. The electric power is off and the telephone service interrupted. A second shock, less violent, occurred shortly after 11 o’clock. A ROTARY MOVEMENT. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) ' Carterton, this day. An earthquake of a curious rotatory movement was experienced at Carterton at 10.50 a.m.. The earth undulated and buildings rocked, while the bells in the clock tower of’the post office clanged loudly and the clock stopped. Stationary cars moved backwards and forwards, but no damage was done. The shake lasted one minute. * Eketahuna, this day. A heavy prolonged shock of earthquake was felt at 10.50 a.m. which stopped the town clock. Anything suspended swung alarmingly, but no damage is reported as the shock was more undulating than have been several minor shocks since. SEVERE AT TAURANGA. NO DAMAGE REPORTED. fßv Telegraph.—Press Association.) ' y Tauranga, this day. A prolonged shock of earthquake, one of the most severe experienced here occurred at 10.48 this morning, lasting about thirty seconds No damage is reported. The first shock was followed by another slight tremor nine minutes later. TAUMARUNUI’S experience. Telegraph. —Press Association.) Taumarunui, this day. A sharp shock of earthquake was experienced here at 10.50 this morning, lasting for several mmUt The people on the higher levels around the town left their houses and a few minutes later another short but sharp shake occurred. So far no damage is reported.

PEOPLE LEAVE BUILDINGS. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) Palmerston North, this day. An earthquake of unusual severity occurred at 10.52 this morning, the direction seemingly being east and west. From the time of the first tremor, which gradually grew in intensity until the final trembling of the quivering of the earth ceased, practically two minutes elapsed. During the peak of its intensity, the earthquake lasted one minute; it was of a steady nature rather than violent. Fortunately no damage of any consequence was reported. Many people were compelled to leave business premises for the streets. FELT AT TE KUITI. A sharp earthquake of fully a minute’s duration was experienced here this morning at 10.49. Following rain earlier in the day, the morning was very sulti’y. There was another minor shock about a quarter of an hour later.