Latest News on the Pacific Coast Earthquakes

Easter day started off uneventful for many people living on the Pacific Coast. However, by early afternoon that all changed. Houses started shaking from side to side, street lights could be seen flashing, and neighborhood swimming pools spilled over with water. A series of earthquakes and aftershocks rattled throughout the Pacific Coast.

The biggest earthquake, which reached a 7.2 on the Richter Scale, originated in Mexico. The epicenter came from Baja California and sent aftershocks throughout the entire Pacific Coast. These aftershocks could be felt as far away as Los Angeles. At least 5 aftershocks have been documented as of now from this original earthquake. The largest one, reported as of 8:52 pm on Easter Day, was a magnitude 5.5.

Within minutes another earthquake, a 4.1 on the Richter Scale, was felt throughout the areas of San Francisco. This quake was determined to be a separate one from the original earthquake and not an aftershock. Aftershocks were felt from citizens of California, Nevada, and Arizona.

Initial reports in all areas report no serious injuries. Reports on structural damage are coming in slowly. We can summarize with such a big quake there will be damaged roadways, signage defects, and widespread power outages.

Some preliminary reports are starting to come in. The biggest concern right now is the power outages in some areas. There has been reports of people being trapped in elevators for a short period of time. Also, there has been a few minor car accidents reported as a result of traffic lights not working. The main problem that many businesses are dealing with are their alarms being tripped. According to the Los Angeles Times, the LAFD (Los Angles Fire Department), have been out doing their drive through assessments and report no major structural damage at this time.

Amusement parks; like Disneyland in Anaheim, have currently suspended their rides until they can all be reevaluated for safety. Of course some local businesses have also closed for the time being due to power outages.

A 7.2 earthquake is considered a major quake. These earthquakes usually cause widespread damage and loss of life. In 1906, the deadliest quake in American history, killed 3,000 people in San Francisco, California. This quake was reported a 7.8 on the Richter Scale. There is an average of 17 to 18 major earthquakes every year.

Sources:

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/04/04/mexico.earthquake/index.html?hpt=T1

http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/04/04/explainer.earthquakes/index.html