I’m not sure if any of you have heard, but on Tuesday, April 1st, a magnitude 8.2 earthquake stuck just off the coast of northern Chile. This magnitude of earthquake is extremely large and powerful. In the movies when there is an earthquake it will reach something like 9.0 or 10.0 or something ridiculous like that. But in the real world, each year we have just one, maybe two earthquakes with a magnitude of 8.0 or higher, this earthquake in Chile being one of them. Fortunately, as far as massive earthquakes go, fatalities were very low. Only 5 people are known to be dead as of now. According to CNN, two suffered from heart attacks, and three were crushed. No number of deaths is a good number of deaths, but needless to say the number could have been much larger. And the damage is not just measured in lives lost, but in so many different ways. The earthquake caused small landslides, cut power, and created a tsunami. Another effect I’m sure no one would have thought of is the fact that 300 prisoners escaped from a prison in Iquique during the direct aftermath. Needless to say, there are so many ways an earthquake can wreak havoc.
Geologists and other scientists are also extremely worried because an earthquake like this is likely to be followed with a number of other large aftershocks, or even more earthquakes. Many are expecting an earthquake of at least 7.0 magnitude to be a result. The problem is, no one knows when it is going to strike. Unlike many other natural disasters, earthquakes can’t be predicted. Satellites and radars can track hurricanes from their beginnings as a tropical storm. Tsunamis are often a result of earthquakes. Even volcanoes will sometimes shoot out steam and create ground tremors as a sign that it is becoming active. Earthquakes on the other hand are just built up energy waiting to be released. So for Chile, it is a very scary time because another one is expected to hit. This recent earthquake left the earth in a position that is likely to release an earthquake as early as today, tomorrow, next week, next year, or who knows when. Imagine the fear of living in an area that is said to expect an earthquake. Scientists can only conclude so much from their observations and data. They can’t just tell everyone to leave northern Chile because they “think” and earthquake is going to hit sometime in the unknown future. Personally, I don’t think I could continue living there in fear of an earthquake. But that’s assuming I have the means to move to a safer place. Most people in that area cant afford to pick up their things and head for safety. So what would you do? Knowing that an earthquake is “expected” to hit sometime in the future, not knowing how soon or distant it may be, would you stay? How could you make the decision? What would change your mind?
Every time there is a natural disaster I’m always glad that I live in Pennsylvania where the only dangers come from too much snow and the occasional ice storm. I don’t think I could live somewhere where I had to live in fear of my house getting destroyed. Apparently there have been tornadoes and tiny, tiny earthquakes in Pittsburgh, but I’ve never experienced anything like them up close.
There were already 7.0+ magnitude aftershocks, I saw. Fortunately, I haven’t seen anything about additional destruction. And yes, it must be terrifying, being certain of life-threatening situations in the very near future. I don’t think I’d leave, but I’d make sure to be ready to run outside or jump under a sturdy object at any moment, and try to go on with my life as best as I can.
Wow, I didn’t hear about the recent earthquake. It’s frightening to think how secluded I am in State College, ignorant to the happenings of the world. As for Chile, that is such a difficult situation. Your questions posed at the end of the blog are very thought provoking and deep, but I have no answers. I don’t think anyone has the answers. It’s times like this that I realize how lucky I am to live in a privileged country.
Like Tyler, I wasn’t even aware of an earthquake that happened recently. I do know that anything above an 8 is a huge earthquake and are very rare. I’m glad to hear that only 5 people are confirmed dead because that seems like it is very low for such a large earthquake.
I had not heard about this event, but it certainly sounds devastating. Events such as these really make a person reflect on how lucky they are compared to some other people in foreign countries. For me, I never truly realize how lucky I am until I compare how fortunate I am compared to some other less fortunate people. It’s truly a devastating event.