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Institute for Crisis, Disaster, and Risk Management Crisis and Emergency Management Newsletter Website |
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February
2004
Volume 6
- Number 1 |
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Powerful
Earthquake
Rocks California A powerful late morning earthquake struck central California on 22 December 2003. The 6.5 magnitude quake wreaked havoc on the historic town of Paso Robles, killing two women and injuring 46. The earthquake struck at 11:16 PST. Paso Robles is located in San Luis County, 185 miles north of Los Angeles. The two women ages 55 and 20 were crushed by the town’s 19th century clock tower as they attempted to flee the store where they worked. 46 others suffered broken bones and lacerations from falling debris. The majority of the buildings damaged were located in the historic section of Paso Robles. The late morning quake also disrupted power to 40,000 people, but no damage was reported to the high voltage lines or Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant. This quake was the largest felt in the state since 1999. Its rolling motion was reported from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Despite its far-reaching tremors, the quake damage was modest with damage estimated at $200 million. By comparison the 1994 Northridge earthquake, at 6.7 magnitude, caused more than $40 billion in damages. The Northridge quake still ranks as one of the nation’s costliest natural disasters. Experts report the epicenter was located near San Simeon CA at a depth of 5 miles. Dozens of aftershocks are expected in the coming days, weeks and years, but experts say there is only a 5 to 10 percent chance that this is the one before the big one. The earthquake was centered along the San Simeon Fault, a thrust fault. This type of fault relieves pressure as one crust plate pushes over another. The resulting thrust builds mountains. This earthquake is estimated to have added a foot to the local elevation. Another fault such as the San Andreas is a lateral fault. This fault allows two plates to slide against each other. On 13 January, President Bush issued a statement supporting the disaster declaration for the areas affected by this earthquake. The declaration will provide Federal funding to supplement state and local recovery needs. This money is available for temporary housing, home repairs, and low cost small business loans for uninsured property. State and local government can also apply for the cost sharing money to repair public facilities and hazard mitigation. Interested persons can apply for the federal money at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY). The line is available seven days a week from 8:00AM to 6:00 PM starting 14 January 2004 until further notice.
http://www.planetark.com/avantgo/dailynewsstory.cfm?newsid=23226 http://www.planetark.com/avantgo/dailynewsstory.cfm?newsid=23220 http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease_print.fema?id=10390 http://www.kron4com/global/story.asp?s=1599223
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