ISSUE
Friday, August 15, 2025
Volume 16 . Issue 72
Suva: A 5.9 magnitude earth tremor to the north east of Labasa yesterday morning caused a scare among residents.
For some, it reminded them of the horrific scenes on television of the recent destructive earthquake in Japan.
While others said the tremor was a sign that people should always be prepared for such disasters during this current weather pattern.
When contacted, the Fiji Meteorological Services office in Nadi confirmed the earth tremor occurred at 10.58am.
The duty weather forecaster said the 5.9 magnitude tremor occurred at a depth of 8.3 miles below sea level.
The tremor lasted for about five seconds and this brought some relief to those who felt it.
Vunivau resident Krishna Goundar said his family panicked at first when they felt the first shake.
He said they just stared at each other without a word.
But after the shake, there was laughter because all had the same thoughts of the Japanese quake.
Labasa businessman Yogeshwar Chand said he was in his shop when he felt the earth tremor.
“The shelves in the shop holding our products were shaking for a few seconds before it stopped. When the shaking eased, it brought relief because it was not a case to worry about,” Mr Chand said.
Helen Elizabeth, 14, of Siberia was in her room when she felt her bed move.
“Everyone else was in the kitchen cooking and I was the only one who ran out to tell them that my bed was shaking. I though I was dreaming at first but am happy that it was only a tremor,” Miss Elizabeth said.
Residents living close to Labasa Town also felt the morning tremor but no damage has been reported.
Suva: A 5.9 magnitude earth tremor to the north east of Labasa yesterday morning caused a scare among residents. For some, it reminded them of the horrific scenes on television of the recent destructive earthquake in Japan. While others said the tremor was a sign that people should always be...
Suva: A 5.9 magnitude earth tremor to the north east of Labasa yesterday morning caused a scare among residents.
For some, it reminded them of the horrific scenes on television of the recent destructive earthquake in Japan.
While others said the tremor was a sign that people should always be prepared for such disasters during this current weather pattern.
When contacted, the Fiji Meteorological Services office in Nadi confirmed the earth tremor occurred at 10.58am.
The duty weather forecaster said the 5.9 magnitude tremor occurred at a depth of 8.3 miles below sea level.
The tremor lasted for about five seconds and this brought some relief to those who felt it.
Vunivau resident Krishna Goundar said his family panicked at first when they felt the first shake.
He said they just stared at each other without a word.
But after the shake, there was laughter because all had the same thoughts of the Japanese quake.
Labasa businessman Yogeshwar Chand said he was in his shop when he felt the earth tremor.
“The shelves in the shop holding our products were shaking for a few seconds before it stopped. When the shaking eased, it brought relief because it was not a case to worry about,” Mr Chand said.
Helen Elizabeth, 14, of Siberia was in her room when she felt her bed move.
“Everyone else was in the kitchen cooking and I was the only one who ran out to tell them that my bed was shaking. I though I was dreaming at first but am happy that it was only a tremor,” Miss Elizabeth said.
Residents living close to Labasa Town also felt the morning tremor but no damage has been reported.
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