Re: Did you feel it?

Real strong shaking down here in San Diego. Lots of building damage in Mexicali and Calexico. Some injuries and a few deaths already reported. Tons of aftershocks throughout the Imperial Valley.

More details are being learned about damage from the Easter Sunday earthquake. Mexicali , Baja California , authorities are reporting at least one death attributed to the 7.2 earthquake that occurred Easter Sunday afternoon. Authorities in Baja California also say that there are reports of people trapped in collapsed buildings. The death occurred south of Mexicali when a building collapsed on a man causing fatal injuries. Earlier , Mexicali authorities reported several fires and added that ruptured water lines in the city of over 1 million people made fighting the fires difficult. Initial assessments indicate significant structural damage in Mexicali. Just across the border in Calexico, California , a senior citizens housing complex was evacuated because of structural damage to the building , the former DeAnza Hotel. . A number of county roads were flooded , primarily in the southwestern portion of Imperial County , where minor damage was reported to Imperial Irrigation District canals. Highway 98 between Calexico and Ocotillo is closed. There was reported flooding at the Imperial Valley Mall from broken water lines. Several stores, including Von's and Lowe's were shut down because of damage. A three block portion of Smoketree and Southwind Streets in El Centro are without power and estimates are that it will take two days to restore power to that area. Many people are reported to be camping out in Bucklin Park El Centro and many people through out the Valley are sleeping in their yards. Emergency evacuation centers are being co-ordinated as well. The El Centro Fire Department has treated several people with minor injuries attributed to the earthquake. The County activated the Emergency Operations Center within an hour of the earthquake. County officials are advising residents to expect aftershocks ; to stay at home or another safe place unless absolutely necessary and to be careful with cleanup to avoid injury due to fallen debris and glass.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/04/2010 09:57PM by Paul P..