On the 35th anniversary of the Loma Prieta Earthquake, Santa Cruz County residents recall the devastation caused by the 6.9 magnitude quake on October 17, 1989, which resulted in 63 fatalities and $10 billion in damages. Local firefighter Philip Arro shares his experience of assessing the impact in Davenport, as community members emphasize the importance of preparedness in anticipating future emergencies.
On the 35th anniversary of the Loma Prieta Earthquake, which devastated Santa Cruz County and the Bay Area, Davenport firefighter Philip Arro recollects the chaos and destruction that ensued on that fateful day. The earthquake, which struck on October 17, 1989, registered a magnitude of 6.9, leading to approximately $10 billion in damages. Although primarily impacting the Bay Area, the epicenter was located near Loma Prieta Peak in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The tragedy resulted in 63 fatalities, with many casualties occurring in Santa Cruz County, and left nearly 3,800 individuals injured and over 12,000 displaced. Residents of Santa Cruz vividly remember the turmoil as communication systems failed; Jay Rosella Myers illustrated the confusion when she stated, “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.” The scene within homes was chaotic, as Myers described her experience: “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.” Local businesses faced significant disruptions, with damage reports highlighting the impact on operations. Myers recalled, “All the tiles like marble tiles were popping off on the walls in that little area of the businesses,” as sirens blared and electricity went out. As a volunteer firefighter, Mr. Arro assessed the situation in Davenport, stating, “I got into my chiefs truck and drove around Davenport to check out the town and make sure everybody’s okay. The electricity was out in the store, and in Davenport, there was a few things that fell off the shelves; bunch of bottled water and bottles of wine fell off the shelves and splattered all over the floor.” He expressed his initial response to the earthquake: “The jerk that happened in Davenport right away, I jumped and ran underneath the doorway to make sure I secured and held myself there.” County officials have emphasized the necessity for preparedness in case of emergencies. David Reid, Director of Santa Cruz County, remarked on the importance of having essential items ready, including critical medications, food, water, and documentation. The county urges residents to assemble an emergency kit, which should contain essential documents, long-lasting food supplies, batteries, and flashlights. Ultimately, the memories of the Loma Prieta Earthquake serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of preparation and community resilience in the face of natural disasters.
The Loma Prieta Earthquake, which occurred on October 17, 1989, is one of the most significant seismic events in California’s history. With a magnitude of 6.9, it primarily affected the Bay Area but also had a substantial toll on Santa Cruz County. The earthquake caused widespread destruction, leading to extensive loss of life, injuries, and displacement of residents. In the aftermath, attention turned toward the necessity for emergency preparedness and community awareness, particularly in seismically active regions. This anniversary elicits reflections from those directly impacted and serves as a call to remain vigilant and ready for future emergencies.
The 35th anniversary of the Loma Prieta Earthquake serves both as a memorial for those who lost their lives and as a strong reminder of the importance of preparedness for natural disasters. As highlighted by local residents and officials, experiencing the catastrophic effects of such a significant seismic event underscores the necessity of having emergency kits and plans in place to ensure community safety. The testimonies of individuals like Jay Rosella Myers and Philip Arro provide invaluable insight into the experiences of that day, illustrating the profound impacts on both personal and communal levels.
Original Source: kion546.com
