The Hindu : National : No advisory on further quakes, says Met Department

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Tuesday, Dec 28, 2004

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No advisory on further quakes, says Met Department

By Our Special Corespondent

CHENNAI, DEC. 27. The Meteorological Department has clarified that it has not issued any advisory regarding the further occurrence of earthquakes or tsunamis.

Denying that there might be more earthquakes in the coming days, a spokesman said there could be "after-shocks" of Sunday's earthquake.

Such shocks might occur within 48 hours of the first event.But with the passage of time, the frequency and magnitude will go down.

The spokesman pointed out that 17 earthquakes of over 5 on the Richter Scale had been registered since the Sumatra earthquake, which was one of the severest quakes.The Department had only advised the public not to venture into the sea for the next two days and asked those living in coastal areas and in poorly built structures or dilapidated buildings to move out of the buildings.

Asked whether earthquakes of lesser intensity could cause tsunamis, the official said they would not generally.

As the Sumatra quake was more than 8 on the Richter, it had triggered tsunamis. To a query why the Department did not make any reference to the Sumatra earthquake on its website, the spokesman said the website normally contained information regarding earthquakes reported in and around India.

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