The ground is rumbling and everything around people is falling down. People are screaming and panic would is spreading all throughout the town.
When the 7.0 earthquake hits, that's exactly what it'll be like.
A 7.0 earthquake is overdue in Utah and is predicted to hit within the next 50 years. The earthquake will hit the Wasatch front, which is one of the largest fault lines, and then spread, causing other earthquakes throughout Utah. In total, 80% or more of Utah will be affected by this earthquake. On the fault line, the crust has been stretching out by 1.2 millimeters every year. The last 7.0 earthquake that happened in Utah was 1,300 years ago, and on average, a 7.0 earthquake happens every 1,300 years.
The injuries and deaths that this earthquake will cause are huge. If the earthquake hits at night, then there will be an estimated 3,000 deaths and 42,000 injuries. If it hits during the day the deaths will be reduced by 20% and the injuries by 26%. This is because, during the day, people are working in buildings that are checked by the state, therefore making them better equipped to withstand earthquakes. An estimated 60,000 people will be in shelters because their homes have been destroyed or severely damaged. With all of the injuries, hospitals will be overwhelmed and won’t have enough staff to help out.
One third of buildings would be destroyed, causing a loss of 35 billion dollars. Power outages, water lines, and cell phone towers will all be down. It will take power companies 12 hours to restore a town which means that some people might be out of power for up to 30 days (including power line repairs). The earthquake will also cause fires to spread across Utah, which will cause even more damage, and there will be aftershocks everywhere. Firefighters will be in high demand, putting out fires and rescuing people from the rubble, so it could take days to get to some people - there won't be enough firefighters to save everyone simultaneously. Because of that, it's important that people help out their neighbors.
All in all, this earthquake can cause a lot of damage. Still, there are ways that a person can prepare. For example, it is recommended to have a 72-hour kit that includes water, food and other necessities. By having these things, it is guaranteed that a person will be better prepared and can last longer. It is also important to help out other people in the community.
No comments:
Post a Comment