DISCUSSION of earthquakes will always include the Richter Scale, which was created by American seismologist C. F. Richter. It is a method to compare earthquake strengths. The strength of 8.9 as feared will occur in Mentawai in the future is the most destructive.

• 8: Very destructive. On average, occurs once a year in the world.
• 7: Massive quake. Could occur 18 times a year across the world.
• 6: Sufficiently destructive. Frequency can reach 12