MASSIVE EARTHQUAKE IN BRAZIL, DEATH TOLL UNCERTAIN

From the New York Times:

An earthquake registering at 9.2 on the Richter scale struck Brazil yesterday, centered in a remote area of few inhabitants. The quake was centered on an ancient volcano known as "tchulan" by local residents. The sparsely peopled area was home mainly to some small tribal communities, and authorities have as yet been unable to reach the epicenter to determine the extent of the damage or loss of life. There is some reason for optimism, as the areas contain little to no developed area, and most buildings are little more than bamboo or wooden huts.

Scientists at Universidad Brisilia have reported that the quake displayed none of the usual warning signals of quakes in recent years worldwide, and represents an anomaly. The sudden and violent nature of the occurrence has given pause to geologists worldwide. Some have suggested the quake may be related to tectonic instability reported as recently as last week by a panel of experts worldwide.

As aid workers rush to the Brazilian jungle, scientists worldwide are mobilizing to analyze and make sense of the seismic occurrence.