DISASTER IN THE ISLANDS.

North Otago Times, Volume CV, Issue 13935, 18 July 1917, Page 8

DISASTER IN THE ISLANDS.

EARTHQUAKE AND TIDAL WAVE,

CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE AT SAMOA. (Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, July 16. Particulars received of an earthquake and tidal wave at the Samoan Group on .Tune 25 show that there were alarming tremors extending over a period of two minntcs. Buildings were violently shaken, and the customs-house, a' concrete building, was considerably damaged. Residences and stores Buffered, but to a less extent, Many subsidences occurred, one near tho principal stores being about 30ft square. The earthquake reached its maximum' in the iniAliitnins of .the interior. The ground''\vak agitated like the waves of the ocean, acres of trees were uprooted, and masses of rock hurled down the mountain sides. This was followed by a tiilal wave, the full force of which was experienced on the side opposite to Apia, It was severely felt on Alcrpata, the coast of Lolofaga, Savaii, and Papopago, The tide was dead low, but the sea swept over' the beach into the adjacent native houses, carrying everything before it. The inhabitants fled terrorstricken to the. hills. The Mormon Church at Pagopago was demolished. The wave was almost spent on reaching Ilaapai, but it caused the loss of several cutters, and flooded shops and dwellings.