More than 5,000 people are dead and more than 9,000 injured in the wake of a devastating earthquake in Kathmandu, Nepal. Over eight million people have been affected by the disaster.
A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the capital and surrounding area of the Himalayan nation on Saturday, April 25, killing thousands as buildings toppled and historic temples collapsed.
Since the event, television news shows a steady stream of images of the destruction and tragedy. International aid workers attempt to alleviate some of the suffering, but individual needs are vast. The world watches as the death toll rises.
As is the case with many international disasters which unfold over television screens, the tragedy seems far away or unreal. It is hard to quantify the extend of the destruction and heartbreak.
But those images should be taken as a reminder that safety on the thin skin of Earth is an illusion, particularly on the west coast of this continent. It’s something that many Canadians take for granted as they line up for their non-fat soy latte while staring down into smartphone screens.
For some time now, seismologists have been predicting that the south coast of British Columbia should prepare for “the big one.” The last time a mega-thrust earthquake hit the west coast of the province resulting in a tsunami was 315 years ago on January 26, 1700. Seismologists predict that these quakes have been happening once every 200 to 800 years. According to Natural Resources Canada, Canadians can expect a one in 10 chance of a mega-thrust earthquake in the next 50 years and a one in three chance of one above 6.5 in magnitude on Vancouver Island.
What that adds up to is the need to take precautions in the event of an earthquake.
Powell River Emergency Support Services has been organizing its Emergency Preparedness Fair for the past five years as a way to raise the profile of being prepared in the event of not only earthquakes but of house fires and any other emergencies which could interrupt food supply and services to Powell River.
Powell River is isolated because of its geography. Being prepared for whatever comes means that the community can pull together and keep going even if cut off from the rest of the province for a while.
Everyone can take a moment to think about what is needed in the home and spend some time collecting items for “grab and go” bags. Those who prepare will be grateful they did when disaster strikes.
