On the 35th anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake, individuals from Davenport, California, reflected on the disaster’s devastating impact, which claimed 63 lives and displaced over 12,000 residents. Eyewitness accounts detailed the chaos during and after the quake, and local authorities emphasized the importance of preparedness for future emergencies.
On the 35th anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake, which occurred on October 17, 1989, individuals from Davenport, California, reflected on the catastrophic event that left a significant impact on Santa Cruz County and the surrounding Bay Area. The earthquake, with a recorded magnitude of 6.9, resulted in damages estimated at about 10 billion dollars. While the event primarily affected the Bay Area, it was named after the Loma Prieta peak located in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The tragedy resulted in the loss of 63 lives, including multiple casualties in Santa Cruz County, and led to the injury of approximately 3,800 individuals, alongside displacing over 12,000 residents. Eyewitness accounts from community members revealed the chaos experienced during the quake. Jay Rosella Myers recounted the confusion and anxiety of that night, stating, “That night we didn’t know what was happening phone services were out. I couldn’t call my husband who worked over the hill and he had a long time driving because all the roads were closed because of all the earth that had come down on the roads.” Another resident described the experience inside her home, noting, “My house was like a poltergeist; it hit hard in different directions. It was lots of things that came out of the cabinets all over the floors. I’m on the way home and I thought I saw smoke, and it turns out part of the clear ocean down and it made it was a huge dust up into the air almost like it was smoke.” Local businesses also faced significant damages during the earthquake. Myers noted, “All the tiles like marble tiles were popping off on the walls in that little area of the businesses. There’s a jewelry store across the way and sirens are going off; electricity went off, fountains stopped, and they made an announcement that you had to go through one in exit.” Philip Arro, a volunteer firefighter in Davenport, provided insights into the immediate aftermath of the quake. He recalled, “I got into my chiefs truck and drove around Davenport to check out the town and make sure everything everybody’s ok. The electricity was out in the store and in Davonport and this one store there was a few things fell off the shelves, bunch of bottled water bottles of wine, fell off the shelves and splattered all over the floor.” Addressing his initial reaction, Arro remarked, “The jerk that happened in Davenport right away, I jumped and ran underneath the doorway to make sure I secure and held myself there, but my reaction and earthquake is common here in California. Some of the people were shaken up but it didn’t really shake Davenport; it was more of a jerk because Davenport is sitting on a rock.” In light of this anniversary, county officials stress the importance of being prepared for such emergencies. David Reid, Director of Santa Cruz County, emphasized, “Emergency are things like your critical medicines and documentation pieces. Food and water for earthquake preparedness is going to be a critical one.” The county urges residents to maintain an emergency preparedness plan, which should include essential documents, non-perishable food items, batteries, and flashlights.
The Loma Prieta earthquake, which struck on October 17, 1989, is one of the most significant seismic events in California’s history. Centered near the Loma Prieta peak in the Santa Cruz mountains, the earthquake caused extensive devastation, particularly in Santa Cruz County and the San Francisco Bay Area. It was a magnitude 6.9 earthquake that resulted in significant loss of life, injuries, and property damage. The anniversary of the quake serves as a reminder of the importance of earthquake preparedness and community resilience in the face of natural disasters.
The reflections on the 35th anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake serve to highlight both the immediate chaos and long-term consequences that such natural disasters can bring to communities. The personal accounts from residents and emergency responders illustrate the profound impact of the earthquake and underscore the continued importance of preparedness and emergency response planning. As officials remind citizens, having a comprehensive emergency kit and plan can be critical for ensuring safety and resilience against future earthquakes.
Original Source: kion546.com
