Blog note. Jesus indicated that ‘fearful sights’ (various natural disasters) would occur leading up to the time known as the Tribulation and Great Tribulation (a combined seven year period of great destruction on earth). Although these types of things have occurred in the past for centuries and thousands of years, they could be identified as the ‘season of the times’ due to the ferociousness of these events. They would be occurring in greater intensity, severity, frequency, size, duration, scope … just like the pains that a woman experiences in labor the farther along she is in the labor process. We are in the ‘season of the times’ that comes just before the seven (7) year Tribulation/Great Tribulation period
… And great earthquakes shall be in diverse places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. (Luke 21:11).
… And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; (Luke 21:25)
… Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken; (Luke 21:26)
… This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2 Timothy 3:1)
Jesus is giving a series of prophecies about what to look for as the age of grace comes to a close. These verses are several of many such prophecies from throughout the Bible. 2017 was the worst year in recorded history for the intensity, frequency, severity, duration and occurrence of a large number of severe natural disasters worldwide. Earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones, torrential flooding, unprecedented wildfires in unusual places, devastating droughts, excessive/scorching heat setting records everywhere, record snowfalls in Europe and Russia. Snow in the Arabia. This list can go on. Most studied Eschatologists believe these ‘fearful sights’ and massive natural disasters are all part of the ‘CONVERGENCE’ of signs that this Biblical and prophetic age is closing. Most people who study prophecy are familiar with the routine reference(s) made that these things will be like a woman having labor.

Very strong M7.2 earthquake hits Papua New Guinea

Posted by Teo Blašković on May 6, 2019.Watchers.news

A very strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M7.2 hit near Bulolo, Papua New Guinea at 21:19 UTC on May 6, 2019 (07:49 local time, May 7). The agency is reporting a depth of 126.9 km (78.8 miles). EMSC is reporting M7.1 at a depth of 130 km (80.7 miles). 

This earthquake can have a medium humanitarian impact based on the magnitude and the affected population and their vulnerability.

The epicenter was located 36.6 km (22.7 miles) NW of Bulolo (population 16 042) and 53.1 km (33 miles) NW of Wau (population 14 629), Papua New Guinea.

There are several small villages near the epicenter – Wowas 3 km (1.8 miles), Dambi 8 km (5 miles), Marilinan 11 km (6.8 miles) and Tsile Tsile 14 km (8.7 miles)

There are 610 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles) and 1 700 within 10 km.

2 000 people are estimated to have felt very strong shaking, 829 000 strong, 936 000 moderate and 3 203 000 light.

Liquefaction triggered by this earthquake is estimated to be significant in severity and (or) spatial extent.

The number of people living near areas that could have produced liquefaction in this earthquake is significant. This is not a direct estimate of liquefaction fatalities or losses.

The USGS issued a green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage.

Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are a mix of vulnerable and earthquake resistant construction. The predominant vulnerable building types are unreinforced brick masonry and informal (metal, timber, GI etc.) construction.

Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as tsunamis, landslides and liquefaction that might have contributed to losses.