Earthquake preparedness in the Imperial Valley

The most recent big earthquake in southern California hit just weeks ago, highlighting the importance of being prepared when the next earthquake could shake the foundations of the Imperial Valley.

The Imperial Valley is no stranger to earthquakes.

Steven Williams, Senior Geologist: for Landmark Consultants said, ” In seismology, the 1940 El Centro earthquake is kind of the gold standard I guess So it bases everything off that. And more earthquakes occur we get a better understanding. So it’s kind of the first large earthquake that’s extensively studied. ”

The 6.9 magnitude 1940 earthquake killed nine people and caused $6 million in damages. The valley is covered by nine fault lines, making it vulnerable to a future natural disaster.

Williams said, ” It’s pretty dangerous because with so many faults, and the strain that builds up, any one of those could rupture. We can’t predict which one will. When it will. How big it’s gonna be when it does rupture. ”

After an earthquake strikes, geologists use the soil to get an idea of when the next one could strike.

” During earthquakes, we see the effects of the seismic shaking where we see the liquefiable soil. Landslides, fault ruptures things like that. And so we take that information we learn during the earthquake and apply it to new construction, new ideas where we prepare for the new or next earthquake, ” said Williams.

But experts haven’t been able to pinpoint accurately when an earthquake can happen until minutes before it’s too late.

Williams added, ” We have GPS systems now that we can put monitors around an area. And kind of see the strain being building…being built up. We can say the strain is being built up enough that there is that potential for rupture. But we can’t say next week. Two weeks. ”

Almost a decade ago, the Easter earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2 shook Mexicali and the desert southwest. Health officials said dozens were injured and at least three people died.

El Centro Regional Medical Center Assistant Chief Nursing Officer, Suzanne Martinez/ said ” Considering the size of the earthquake I expected there to be a lot more wounded coming in. But we really didn’t see that. We also in the community didn’t see a lot of destruction of homes that created injuries. ”

Imperial County Fire Chief, Alfredo Estrada recalled the challenge of being able to communicate with other agencies.

Estrada said, ” We still had radio and transmission, so we were using radios. Our 911 systems we were still up. But as far as the communication aspect of contacting people by phone and stuff we could not do. ”

Several buildings in the valley were damaged due to the intensity of the earthquake.

” A lot of the businesses there were because the infrastructure was compromised, ” said Estrada.

Canals were affected and there was a fear that thousands could be without water.

Imperial Irrigation District Emergency Services Coordinator, Robert Amparano said, ” we didn’t have canals that fully ruptured. We had canals that linings cracked. Linings fell apart. We did have a lot of liquid faction into the bottom of some of these areas. ”

Those who were displaced were given temporary shelters and received emotional support.

Jose Ortega of the local American Red Cross said, ” And through the shelter, we’re able to provide them with health services. If they do need medication we can help advocate for medication. If they feel like speaking to our disaster mental health workers they can speak to somebody let them know ‘hey this is what I’m feeling.’

But local agencies came together, overcoming obstacles and making sure everything was up and running.

Estrada said, ” Communication and networking so that we’re all on the same page, and we’re all working towards a common goal within the incident action plan. Life is always going to be a priority. But then we want to get all the system back into services as soon as possible. ”

First responders said it’s important to know what to do when an earthquake hits.

Estrada added, ” Secure yourself under something sturdy when an earthquake hits. So you prevent things from falling out at you. And then as soon as the initial part of the earthquake is over you want to get into the clear. Where nothing can actually fall on you. ”

The American Red Cross is making sure they have volunteers with experiences in natural disasters to better help residents when it hits home.

Ortega said, ” By us deploying a volunteer we’re not just sending help. But when they do come back they’re coming back with knowledge. They’re coming back with the experience. They’re coming back with a little more sense of a purpose.

Utility companies continue to monitor services 24/7.

Amaprano added, ” Having a good view, overview of your service area. Know what’s going to be impacted.

Hospitals have emergency preparedness plans in place and yearly training for staff.

Martinez said, ” Our maintenance staff go out to assess the building. Our nursing staff go out to assess the patients. Our purchasing staff go out, and they start looking at do we have enough supplies. ”

ECRMC Base Hospital Coordinator, Angel Esquivel said ” All of our leaders meet in this room to see where we’re at. What kind of injuries, hazard. Anything that we might have to go and if need to have to evacuate or move patients. ”

Ortega said it’s always best to be prepared for an earthquake because you never know when it’ll come in handy.

” Once you have a first aid kit, you also want to have a preparedness kit. You know have extra water, food. Canned foods that you know won’t go bad pretty quick. You want to check the expiration dates. You want to have enough for everyone, ” said Ortega.