The Hindu : National : Indira Point would re-emerge: researchers

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Sunday, Jan 02, 2005

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Indira Point would re-emerge: researchers

By Our Staff Correspondent

NEW DELHI, JAN.1. Contrary to reports that "Indira Point" — the southernmost tip of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands — had vanished in the devastating tsunami waves, researchers believe that it would re-emerge after the underwater activity in the region settles down.

Going by the reports of the National Earthquake Information Centre of the U.S. Geological Survey, researchers have concluded that the zero point has possibly submerged partially and would emerge again after the violent waves settle down.

The reports suggest that the "Burma tectonic plate," where the earthquake occurred, had risen by 20 m as a result of the impact and since the group of islands also fall within the 100 km radius, it was bound to have rises.

As for the Indira Point, the temporary submergence could have taken place because of its small area. Once the under water activity ends, this point could also see a rise in its height, the researchers believe. However, all these technical details would have to be scientifically proved and that would be done only after the completion the rescue and rehabilitation work.

The earthquake was caused in the interface of the India and Burma plates and preliminary findings show that 1,200 km of the plate boundary had "slipped" or displaced due to the earthquake.

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