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Thursday 27 October 2016


California stages 'fun' earthquake drill

The fifth annual "Great California Shakeout" aims to prepare the state's citizens for a major earthquake "in a fun way".

Across California, more than 9 million people took part in the drill, which asked people to respond as if a magnitude 7.8 or larger quake began rocking the area.

"This is a way of getting people to think about earthquakes in between the time that they're happening. They never happen often enough to keep it always in memory," said US Geological Survey science advisor for risk reduction, Dr Lucy Jones.

Participants were also advised to look around during the drill and envision what might be taking place during an actual earthquake - what objects might be falling, what damage could be occurring, and will there be a way to escape the area afterward.

To give a sense of what a strong quake would feel like, a simulation truck was provided - giving people a first hand account of just how an earthquake would feel.

Emergency service personnel were also on hand to educate the public - encouraging citizens to keep enough food and water on hand to be self-sufficient for 72 hours following a quake.

If a magnitude 7.8 or above earthquake would hit the greater Los Angeles area, the geological survey estimates some 2,000 people would die, tens of thousands would be injured and more than 200 billion dollars in damage would result.

Contains footage from Reuters


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