Associated press 11th October 2006: Earthquake Rocks Moulden .
A major earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter Scale, has hit Australia at
10:18 am this morning, with the epicenter believed to be the Palmerston, N.T. suburb of Moulden .
Victims were seen wandering around aimlessly muttering, "F'kin ell" and
"whadda carnt". The earthquake has completely decimated the area and
damaged hundreds of homes, leaving a damage bill expected to exceed $300,
which could go as high as $350.
Several priceless collections, including mementos from the Torana
Appreciation Society and the Moulden Progress Hall, were destroyed in the
quake.
In addition, three areas containing historic burnt out cars were disturbed
and many locals were woken well before their welfare cheques arrived.
Darwin radio reported that hundreds of residents were confused and
bewildered, still trying to come to terms with the fact that something
interesting had happened in the area.
One resident - Tracy Sharon Smith, a 15 year old mother of 6 said, "it was
such a shock, my little Chardonnay Mercedes came running into my bedroom
crying. My youngest two, Tyler-Morgan and Megan-Storm slept through it all.
I was still shaking when I was watching Jerry Springer in the morning."
The people of Moulden are a resilient community and evidence of a full
recovery can already be seen, with looting, muggings and car crime carrying
on as normal.
The aid response from local charities has been swift. The Red Cross has so
far managed to ship 4,000 crates of Vegemite to the area to help the
stricken locals.
Rescue workers are still searching through rubble and have found large
quantities of personal belongings, which include Centrelink booklets, AC/DC
T-Shirts, Priceline Jewellery, prams and fine bone china from Dollars and
Cents.
The Red Cross seeks to raise money for food and clothing, to be air dropped
as parcels for those unfortunate caught up in this disaster. Donations of
clothing are also in demand. Items most needed include baseball caps, Kappa
tracksuits with hoods (his and hers), flannelette shirts, white sport
socks, XXXXL mumble shorts (female), sturdy steal capped boots, and any
other items usually sold in Crazy Clarks.
Food parcels may be harder to come by, but are needed all the same.
Required foodstuffs include, Hot Dogs, Yiros, McDonalds, KFC, Ice Cream and
cans of Woodstock Burbon and Coke and VB. Please don't send bread, milk,
tinned food, meat, fish, chicken, fruit or vegetables or any other healthy
food, because such food is alien to the local dietary requirements will not
be consumed. Donations of Home brand nappies, loose fitting t-shirts,
which allow easy breast feeding, and cartons of Winfield cigarettes would
be greatly appreciated.
Charities are also accepting cash donations through any Liquorland outlet.
$0.25 buys a ball point pen for filling in compensation forms, $5.00 buys
chips and Coca Cola for a family of nine, $10.00 will buy a packet of
Winfield Blues 25s and a lighter to calm the nerves of those affected.
Aid Agencies have requested that no tents be sent into the affected suburb,
as the sight of posh housing is unfair on the population of the
neighbouring areas.
