|
|
Institute for Crisis, Disaster, and Risk Management Crisis and Emergency Management Newsletter Website |
|
| |
December
2006
Volume
11 - Number 3 |
|
By Sarah Antos The Event On November 15, an earthquake measuring 6.7 on the Richter Scale rattled the west coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. Although no lives were lost, significant structural damage to buildings, large power outages, and numerous injuries spurred Governor Linda Lingle to declare a statewide emergency. Sewage spills, flooding, power loss, cracked roads and landslides have crimpled the states infrastructure and officials estimate repair costs will exceed 73 million dollars. Hawaii has not experienced this size earthquake since 1983, and numerous historical buildings collapsed. Since November 15, the island has experienced 20 aftershocks with magnitudes averaging 3.0. This continuous disruption threatened Hawaii’s number one industry, tourism. Honolulu’s International Airport canceled all outbound flights, and vacationers fled beach hotels in fear of a tsunami. Residents have also been greatly affected. With 1,500 private dwellings, damaged thousands of people evacuated to shelters. Emergency rooms were inundated throughout the island, and a ceiling in Kona Community Hospital collapsed. Lines outside grocery stores and gas stations were staggeringly long, as people tried to buy water and batteries. Although people had been frightened, most felt grateful to be alive and well. One Month Later Thanks to tremendous efforts, normalcy has returned too much of the island, but many structural repairs have yet to be completed. Bruce McClure, the Island’s public works director, reports that after completing 1,600 inspections “we are still getting about 5 calls a day asking for an addition damage assessment.” In the meantime, dozens of residents remain in shelters, waiting for the news that their house is safe for their return. As the evaluation proceeds, the extent of the damage continues to grow. The Water Department’s repair costs have risen from an expected 2 million to 10 million. Many homes still have no running water, but pipe repairs have already given farmers access to water for irrigation. The tourism industry has also been fortunate. To counteract the negative images of damage broadcasted by the media, tourism officials embarked on a campaign of positive Hawaiian images. Pictures of surfing, dolphins, and beaches in magazines and officials issuing reassuring statements on television successfully prevented large cancellations and enticed tourist to return. But while construction moves forward, who exactly will pay for what has yet to be determined. FEMA has offered a considerable amount aid, and a proposed state level victim tax credit will further help cushion private losses. Within six months, officials hope for the complete return of all residents, and the reopening of all roadways. Sources: www.cnn.com www.khnl.com www.freep.com http://starbulletin.com |