Residents react to El Centro earthquakes
The swarm of earthquakes that hit Imperial County Monday evening have many residents in panic mode. The 4.0 earthquake that struck El Centro just after 6:00 pm, was followed by a series of aftershocks that rocked the entire valley.
” All of a sudden things started shaking, and I was scared. We’re not allowed to use our phones at work, but I called my husband right away because I was scared something would fall on my kids, ” said Evelia Rodriguez, El Centro resident.
The Imperial County Fire Department ( ICFD ) ,says residents need to have a safety plan in case a stronger earthquake hits the county.
” The best thing to do is actually duck, and look for cover. Hold onto whatever you can. If you’re under a table hold on until the earthquake presides, then exit the facility and do an assessment around the property and make sure there is no major damages and make sure the utilities are secured, ” said Captain Hector Garcia, Imperial County Fire Department.
A resident who lives just feet from the epicenter says he felt every shake and jolt.
” It was pretty scary, mainly for my kids. It was jolting, we watched the building shake and jolt, ” said Daniel Correll , El Centro resident.
Another resident who lives six blocks from the epicenter in El Centro, says the earthquake caused cement cracks on her driveway.
” Those cracks were not there. I’m always cleaning here and these cracks are new, ” said Pati Leal, Caregiver at a home in El Centro.
Rodriguez says yesterday’s earthquake gave her flashbacks of the 7.2 earthquake that hit Baja California in 2010.
” That day we stayed in the car, and even slept in the car. I get really scared, but I have to try and keep myself calm because I have to stay strong for my kids, ” said Leal.
ICFD says they are prepared for any disaster that may occur in the county.
” First we’ll do an assessment of our facility to make sure all of our utilities are secured, and then we go out and police the area in our jurisdiction, ” said Garcia.
According to the ICFD no injuries or damages were reported.
