EARTHQUAKE IN THE ISLANDS.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 17 July 1917, Page 6

EARTHQUAKE IN THE ISLANDS.

FURTHER PARTICULARS. AUCKLAND, July 16. Particulars received of the earthquake and tidal wave in the Samoan Group on June 25 show alarming tremors extending over a period of two minutes. Buildings were violently shaken, the Customhouse concrete building was considerably damaged, and residences and stores suffered, but to less extent. Many subsidences occurred, one near the principal stores being about thirty feet square. The earthquake reached its maximum in the mountains ofi:he interior, and ground was agitated like waves of the ocean; acres of trees were uprooted, and masses of rock sailed down the maintain sides. A tidal wave was followed by tidal wave, the full force of which was experienced on the side opposite to Apia. It was severely felt on the Aleipata coast, at Lolofaja, Savaii and Pago Pago. The tide was dead low, but the sea swept over the beach' into adjacent native houses, carrying everything before it. The inhabitants fled terror-stricken to the hills. The Mormon church at Pago Pago was demolished. The wave was almost spent on reaching Haapai, but caused the loss of several cutters a,nd flooded shops and dwellings.