May 13, 1857 Earthquake: Dilhi, Gera, Timor Island, Indonesia

Reference #414:

1857, May 13, about 10:30 [local time]. There was a strong earthquake on Timor Island. The tremor lasted at least 15 seconds at Dilhi. People were thrown to the ground. The walls of the fort partially collapsed. The ground cracked on the coast. At Gera, situated 20 km (12 miles) east of Dilhi, there was an even stronger earthquake; the ground settled at many places; mud flowed out of cracks.

On Kambing Island, there was an exceptionally strong earthquake. The hill on which the settlement of Makadade is situated (on the southern shore of the island) subsided. Twenty-three men, thirteen women and many children died.

The tremors were no less strong at the villages of Lautem, Laklo, Laleya and Batugade. Collapses occurred along the road to Vimor and in the valley of the Wikekek River. At the same time the Bibiluto mud volcano erupted and the village of the leader (queen) of Wikeke district was partly destroyed.

Weak shocks were registered at Atapupu and Kupang. At least another 15 shocks were felt in the next three days.

In Dilhl Bay, the water rose and fell 3 m (10 feet) four times. At Likisa, a tidal wave surged onto the land and completely inundated the village. At about 11:30, strong oscillations in sea level were observed at Ambon.

Reference #1055:

1857, May 13. Timor, Dilly, Kambing, Atapoepoe. Intensity II which corresponds to buildings may be unroofed or shattered and some may fall, the ground may be badly cracked in places and small landslips occur.

Reference #11528:

The quake was also "very strong" in Hera, Lacio, Lautem, Lale and Butugade. A mud volcano erupted near Viqueque.