Earthquakes: August-September 1976

Abstract

Destructive earthquakes continued to strike in many parts of the world during this period. The sparsely populated area of the New Hebrides Islands in the southwest Pacific was struck by a major earthquake (one with a magnitude between 7.0 and 7.9). A great earthquake (magnitude 8.0 or above) struck just off the west coast of Mindanao, Philippine Islands, generating a tsunami, killing thousands of people, and causing extensive damage. Three strong earthquakes rocked the Szechwan province of Chian, probably causing loss of life and damage in the epicentral area. The Untied States again did not expereince any destructive earthquakes. The strongest, one of magnitude 5.9, was located in southern Alaska.