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Tsunami hits French Polynesia
Tsunamis generated by an earthquake in Chile have struck French Polynesia, but there are no reports of major damage or casualties.Huge waves struck the Gambier archipelago at 6:30am (local time), the high commissioner's office in Papeete said, as the tsunami raced across the Pacific. The Marquesas Islands, north-east of Polynesia, were hit between 7.00-8.00am (local time) by a series of two-metre waves which damaged some boats but no-one was hurt. A four-metre wave also hit Hiva Oa in the Marquesas. The port in Papeete was evacuated and thousands in Tahiti's hillside areas were transported from their homes to safer areas. However, many residents along the coast refused to leave, fearing lootings. Between the waves the sea withdrew about 15 metres, causing rip currents. Posted by: Steve White 2010-02-28 |
| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=291575 |