Earthquake of magnitude 7.5-7.7 was reported at Andaman & Nicobar Islands . Tsunami alert was issued by Pacific Center. The earthquake was said to be of 35 Km depth. The date was 12 June 2010 Late night IST.
The same day I have done some off-roading and traveled through bumpy roads. In the night I thought of going to office [2nd floor] for a few minutes even though not a working day. I reached there and started checking mails & statuses.
Later we went outside to take tea. After tea I planned to sit few more minutes. After some moment, body started shaking, like the engine of cars :) . Initially I was unable to figure out what is it. As it continued, I watched the body, which was shaking. I though it as something related to todays offroading adventure. But the duration made me confused. Hence I kept quiet. Similarly in the office where around 30-40 was seated , nobody reported anything.
Later colleague from upstairs came to our office The person sitting next me went to give him access.He asked have you felt something. Then obviously answer was YES. Then only I & friends understood that we all have felt it. My friend didn't report this as he thought its not real , as he was sleepy. Similarly most remained quiet. So discussion started all over. Still I didnt checked internet for any data feed.
Later I returned to my accommodation. Where I found a group containing only Chinese- Korean Colleagues are standing outside.And all of the Chinese-Koreans staying there was in that group. There was receptionist trying to take them inside.As I entered accommodation , receptionist enquired of earthquake. However the staff said that they didn't feel anything even though they were in ground floor. While all the others accommodated , continued their sleep ,without anyone reporting any tremors.
I also joined the group , to shed of their panic. Chinese-Koreans were very much disturbed with quake reporting. Men & Women alike. They started querying me
"Have you experienced Earth Quake" " Yes"
"Is this the first time you experienced " " Yes ".
"Is this the first time in Chennai / India " "No " , ""
"Is this building earthquake proof " Then I pointed receptionist and told them "He can better give answer"
"Have you experienced Earth Quake" " Yes"
"Is this the first time you experienced " " Yes ".
These questions were asked repeatedly.
Then they started sharing their experiences. They have seen 15 storied buildings swinging in air , People falling from buildings in their country during earth quake. And they told that they are living in earthquake prone area. One girl was particular about saying, since we have seen this, we know it better & it is scary.
Then one guy asked for net access & checked magnitude. Then only we came to know magnitude & place of orgin. They all told that this is very big to create trouble. Also queried whether place is near to sea or not. Finally they returned to their rooms.
I found out that Tsunami warning has been issued , even though Tsunami has occurred or not was not confirmed. Then some Chinese people came out with one bag and took water in bottle and some food . This was a kind of precautionary measures.
It was the school drills which was attend by a foreigner teenager, who saved lives of so many during the Tsunami that took over Chennai & South - East of India.
It was an experience , like never before and Chinese-Korean knowledge sharing was a good safety lesson.
Posts
