Update: 7.9 Earthquake In China

The 7.9 Earthquake that hit China several days ago has been devastating with over 19,500 reported dead as of this writing and estimated projections are putting that number at around 50,000. The magnitude was increased from early reports of it being a 7.8 quake.

Massive damage to critical infrastructure has also taken its toll. At least one school and one hospital were completely destroyed along with countless homes leveled to the ground.

Bridges collapsed and about 400 dams were damaged, some with severe cracks that workers are currently trying to repair before they burst.

China has sent about 130,000 troops to assist with rescue efforts, but getting them to the epicenter has been tough, as most roads are still obstructed with debris. The country has also attempted several airdrops of aid and rescuers but was called off after being deemed unsuccessful.

Worries of epidemics are also setting in, but so far no disease outbreaks have been reported. However, with the recent surge in several diseases such as Hand, Foot and Mouth disease and with the Bird Flu virus making a strong comeback across the Asian Continent at the moment it could compound an already difficult situation.

I'll report more on this as more stories and reports expand on the China Earthquake.

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7.8 Earthquake In China

A strong earthquake hits China, measuring 7.8 in magnitude and felt as far away as Thailand, Vietnam and Pakistan.

Reports are that the quake has caused 80 percent of buildings to collapse, trapping and burying many people. In one area a school collapsed and 900 children are buried under the remains of the building

As of this writing the death toll has passed 8,500 and is expected to increase reports are also indicating about 10,000 injured.

The power and water systems have been knocked out and much of the communications systems and networks are not operational. Though phone service is disrupted it has been reported that some have been able to get text messages through in some cases. It has also stopped service at several airports.

The quake was centered about 60 miles northwest of Chengdu, in Sichuan province.

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Update To Illinois Earthquake And Aftershocks

I just wanted to make a brief update regarding the earthquakes occurring in Illinois.

As of this writing there have been 22 aftershocks the last one happened at around 12:40 AM early Monday morning. This aftershock was the second strongest and measured 4.5 in magnitude.

The strongest after shock which happened several hours after the main earthquake measured a 4.6 in magnitude.

There was some minor damage reported but no injuries. I did hear a brief report of some people being trapped and rescued but I have no confirmation on this at this time.

I wrote more about the Earthquake In Illinois that you can view by following the link. I also wrote a small piece about Earthquake Safety a few days prior to this happening when it was announced that California was likely to be hit by a big earthquake 6.7 or larger in the next 30 years.

I will make an update again later in the week if the aftershocks increase in number or intensity.

Earthquake Strikes Illinois Today

The State of Illinois was hit by an earthquake today measuring 5.2 in magnitude on the Richter magnitude scale. Initial reports had the quake measured at 5.4 but that was later reduced to the lower level.

The earthquake struck at 4:36 AM local time and centered five miles from Bellmont, a tiny farm town close to the Wabash River, which marks the border with Indiana.

A second earthquake, an after shock hit at 10:14 AM local time measuring 4.6 in magnitude . Many other small aftershocks have been reported as well.

So far no reports of injuries or damages but the quake had skyscrapers swaying in Chicago and Indianapolis and was felt as far away as Milwaukee and Cincinnati.

Earthquakes are not only common in the region they produced two of the three strongest earthquakes in the continental United States. The fault running up the Wabash Valley is responsible for the New Madrid, MO. earthquake of December 1811 and February 1812, each thought to have been magnitude 8 or greater. (The strongest was a large magnitude 9 in the Pacific Northwest in January 1700, known mainly by the tsunami it created that lashed Japan.)

I had just posted information about the probability of an earthquake hitting California which included tips for earthquake safety.

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Big Earthquake To Strike In Next 30 Years

Well I have been a bit late in getting this news up, but as you know the USGS has announced in a new study that the probability of an earthquake of 6.7 or larger will strike in the State of California in the next 30 years is greater than 99%. The odds are actually predicted as being a 99.7% chance of the earthquake striking by the year 2037.

The last time an earthquake of this size hit California was in 1994 and is referred to as the Northridge disaster or the Northridge Quake. This earthquake caused 72 deaths and injures to more than 9,000 people as well as $25 billion in damages in USD.

This is an excellent time to review some earthquake safety tips.

Before an Earthquake

1. Check for Potential Hazards.

Fasten shelves securely to walls.
Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
Brace overhead light fixtures..

2. Identify A Safe Place.
Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.
Against an inside wall.
Away from glass could shatter, or other heavy furniture could fall over.
In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines, overpasses, or elevated expressways.

3. Have A Disaster Preparedness Kit Ready To Go

Flashlight and extra batteries.
Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
First aid kit and manual.
Emergency food and water.
Nonelectric can opener.
Essential medicines.
Cash and credit cards.
Sturdy shoes

Note: Be Prepared to be on your own without help for AT LEAST 72 HOURS

During An Earthquake

1. If Indoors

Drop to the ground and take COVER under a sturdy table
Stay away from Glass and windows
Stay in bed if you are there when an earthquake hits, hold on and protect your head with a pillow
Use a doorway for shelter
Stay inside until shaking stops most people are injured when they try to move or leave
Be aware that electricity may go out and fire sprinklers may come on
Do NOT USE ELEVATORS

2. If Outdoors

Stay there
Move away from buildings, utility wires, street lights and elevated road ways
Try to stay in the open

3. If In A Moving Car

Stop as quickly and safely as you can and stay in the car
Avoid stopping under elevated roadways, buildings, trees and other things that may fall
Proceed with caution after the shaking stops
Avoid area damaged by earthquake

4. If You Become Trapped

Do not light a match or use a lighter
Do not move about or kick up dust
Cover your mouth with clothing or handkerchief
Tap on a pipe or outside wall so rescuers can locate you, use a whistle if you have one
Do not shout or yell as doing so may cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust

After An Earthquake

Expect aftershocks
Listen to the radio or television
Use the telephone only in an emergency
Help the injured
Be aware of tsunamis if you are in a coastal area
Check utilities for gas leaks, electrical damage and water and sewage lines for damage