Indian Ocean Quake Sends Minor Tsunami into Putney Bay

 

On January 5, an earthquake measuring 6 on the Richter scale shook the Indian Ocean floor near the islands of Mauritius and Reunion, sending a small tsunami to New Island late that afternoon. The wave was not noticed on the coast, but in Putney Bay it resembled a hefty tidal bore, growing to a height of 4 feet, as its energy was concentrated in the narrows. As the wave approached Putney's bridges, some walkers and cyclists got wet but no injuries were reported. Surprisingly, damage was limited to only a few boats that were torn loose from their moorings. Alan Faramond, intrepid architect and sketch artist, happened to be in the area and dashed off this view of Putney Harbor between the bridges.



The small green arrow on this map shows the view in the picture.

What was going on here as the tidal bore apprached?  Stay tuned.