Tsunami issue keeps fishermen at home

JAYAPURA: The huge earthquake in Chile, with 300 people reported dead, has brought worries over possible a tsunami among fishermen in Jayapura, dissuading them from going ashore Sunday.

"Friends in Sorong said a tsunami was possible. We've decided not to fish today," said Yunis, a fisherman.

The beach was quiet as children were warned against paddling around with their boats.

Elsewhere, children and the elderly have been evacuated to village Kayu Batu, on higher ground.

"We are just worried. Who knows what might happen?" said Mathilda, one of the evacuees.

Reuters reported tsunami waves of up to 1.5 meters hit far-flung Pacific regions from the Russia far east and Japan to New Zealand's remote Chatam Islands on Sunday.

The local Meteorology and Geophysics Agency (BMG) in Jayapura said tsunami was less likely to reach the shores of Jayapura. - JP