FROM LOS ANGELES: CALIFORNIANS URGED TO RAISE QUAKE AWARENESS
LOS ANGELES, MARCH 5, 2010 (STAR) (Xinhua) For all the attention generated by the Haiti and Chile earthquakes, experts warned that quake preparedness among Californians may have declined in recent years, it was reported on yesterday.A recent survey by the Norman Lear Center at University of Southern California (USC) found that even those who have received earthquake education are not as prepared as they should be, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Quake-prone California has tried to raise awareness of quake dangers by holding an annual drill called the Great California ShakeOut. The first year, in 2008, thousands of participants played out what would happen in the event that a magnitude 7.8 quake struck along the San Andreas fault.
But the USC survey found that the majority of those participants still were not fully prepared for a quake and many have had inaccurate or out-of-date information about what to do in the event of a major temblor, the report said.
Experts warn that a major quake, nicknamed the Big One, would strike California any time in 20 to 30 years.
But experts doubt that residents of this region are any better prepared for the inevitable Big One, the report said.
California saw a rise in quake awareness and retrofitting after the state recorded a series of major temblors over seven years: Whittier in 1987, Loma Prieta in 1989 and Northridge in 1994.
But there hasn't been a devastating temblor in the state since the Northridge quake, and that might explain the reason for a decline in quake preparedness, said the paper.
Many Southern Californians grew up with information that is now outdated. A suggestion to take cover under a doorway, once fairly common, is now considered applicable only to people in adobe structures, according to experts.
Everyone else should drop, cover and hold on, taking shelter under a sturdy desk or table, and holding on to one of its legs, experts say.
NATION HEADLINE TODAY
Quakes rock Batanes, Masbate By Helen Flores (The Philippine Star) Updated March 05, 2010 12:00 AM
MANILA, Philippines - Just as a powerful 6.4 magnitude earthquake rocked Taiwan yesterday, Batanes, situated at its tip, was jolted by a 4.9 magnitude tremor, state volcanologists said.
Another earthquake of 4.5 magnitude also struck Masbate province yesterday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.
The epicenter of the Batanes quake, which struck at 10:08 a.m., was traced 48 kilometers southeast of Basco, the capital town where it was felt at Intensity 3.
Meanwhile, the earthquake that rattled parts of Masbate province at 12:30 p.m. was centered 56 kilometers southeast of Masbate town.
The temblor was felt at Intensity 4 in Cataingan town, Intensity 3 in Palanas town, and Intensity 2 in Masbate City.
According to Phivolcs, an Intensity 4 quake is “moderately strong,” saying it is “felt generally by people indoors and some people outdoors.”
On the other hand, an Intensity 3 earthquake is categorized as “weak.”
“It is felt by people indoors, especially on the upper floors of buildings. Vibration is felt like the passing of a light truck,” Phivolcs said.
The Philippines lies on the so-called “Pacific Ring of Fire” where strong earthquakes and volcanic eruptions frequently occur.
About 20 earthquakes hit the country every day but only a few are felt, Phivolcs said.
Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi
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