ONE OF THE DEADLIEST EARTHQUAKES IN THE WORLD – JAN 14, 1907

The 1907 Kingston earthquake shook the capital of the island of Jamaica with a magnitude of 6.5 on the moment magnitude scale on Monday January 14 at about 3:30pm. It has been described by the United States Geological Survey as one of the world’s deadliest earthquakes recorded in history.

DAMAGE
Every building in Kingston was damaged by the earthquake and subsequent fires, which lasted for three hours before any efforts could be made to check them, culminated in the death of over 1,000 people, 25,000 homeless and caused approximately $30 million in material damage. The shocks were most destructive along the Harbour front where entire streets were leveled and crowds of frightened shrieking people streamed northwards towards the race course, hundreds with heads and bodies cut and bruised, streaming with blood. Those who escaped with slight injuries reported that large numbers of persons were buried under the fallen stores and tenements. Shortly after, a tsunami was reported on the north coast of Jamaica, with a maximum wave height of about 2 m (6-8 ft). On Monday night, fifteen distinct shocks were felt, but they did no damage. The following day, there were twenty shocks and on Wednesday, there were ten with 80 aftershocks felt up to February 5. The strongest aftershock occurred on February 25. Most of the damage was located in Kingston, Buff Bay and Annotto Bay.

AFTERMATH
The Port Kingston, the only passenger ship in Kingston Harbour, was used as a makeshift hospital, with improvised operating theaters in three parts of the ship and on the adjoining wharf. Kingston Public Hospital, despite loss of its water supply, continued to function throughout the following night. Three U.S. Warships, USS Missouri, USS Indiana and USS Whipple landed men and supplies on January 17 that year, although an offer of eight sergeants was rejected by the Governor.

While it is easier to prepare for hurricanes, let’s look at some tips to prepare for earthquakes

If you are indoors
– go under a table (drop)
– take cover under the table (cover)
– hold on to the table feet (hold on)

If you are outside
– try to stay as calm as possible (calm down)
– stay away from furniture, windows and lamps (stay away)
– stay away from buildings, walls and power poles (stay far)

If you are driving
– stop in a safe place
– turn on the hazard lights
– stay inside the vehicle
– if you use a wheelchair, put the brakes on in a safe place and protect your head with your arms
– if you are in a crowded place and you are not able to move the vehicle, protect your head with your arms

Be in the know!! The life you save may be your own!!

Contributed by HE Prof Colin O Jarrett
Senior News Editor
January 14, 2020