Sounds scary, although rather unlikely indeed: Earthquake: Coincidence or a Corporate Oil Tragedy?

There's strong evidence Muriel is well alive.

I've been in good contact with her friend Fabian Sommer (who is somewhere in the Himalaya) and the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, this morning I got news from Fabian: Her departure to Kandy/Walanpane (which is in the hills and surely save) on Christmas Day is confirmed, she should be back (and hopefully back on line) at her parents' house (which remained undamaged) by tomorrow.

That's good news indeed.
Still all this remains an incredible tragedy.

However, I whish all of you all the very best for 2005.