October 30, 2007. Around 8:00 pm. I just got on the computer and started reading my messages on my e-mail account. But since I was suffering from flu (which was about 5 days old at that time...), I was really feeling dizzy and weak that I decided to rest for a while and just get back on it later on. I was already quietly resting on the living room couch when all of a sudden I felt a rigorous shake. I was really startled, so I quickly got up. My dad, who was also in the living room at that time watching TV, looked at me and soon enough, we both understood what was happening --- it was an earthquake!!!
I ran to look for my kids. I heard the TV and voices from our bedroom so I knew they were in there. I yelled as I got into the room and ordered everyone to get up and be ready to get out of the house. Oddly enough, my mom, who was in there with them, didn't know what was happening (later, she explained that maybe because she was talking loudly at that time and didn't feel the ground shaking...whatever!) All I have to say was "earthquake" and she quickly realized what was happening. She grabbed my youngest Julian while I took Angel and Angelo with me. We ran to the main door in the living room where my dad was waiting for us. I also grabbed our emergency backpack which I purposedly placed near the door for an easy access. I have already prepared that pack more than a year ago (during the scare of the comeback of the Great Earthquake of San Francisco was widely spread). Although I only had slippers and pj's on and my kids were only wearing their socks and their sleepwear as well, I didn't bother to put on anything, for I have included shoes, sweats, jackets, hats, lots of extra socks and other clothes for my kids and myself in the backpack so we have something to put on later. But we didn't exactly go all the way to the street. We were still in the yard, trying to feel the surroundings, and waited for an immediate aftershock.
After a few minutes, we decided to go back inside. We were still heedful about whatever might happen next. I turned on the tv, and waited for a news flash from a local tv station. While waiting, I've helped my kids put on their shoes. I felt they were kinda reluctant to step outside with only socks covering their feet. I wasn't still feeling relaxed at that point, though it was about half an hour since the earthquake happened. But of course I couldn't show that to my kids. I had to be calm and brave in front of them, or else, who would try to soothe their fears?
Finally, the news flash came on. It was a 5.6 magnitude earthquake, and the epicenter being at the Alum Rock, California (by San Jose). There was no report of any injuries or death (Thank God!). But of course, the fear among us was unimaginable. Being constantly told and reminded of the comeback of "The Great Earthquake of San Francisco", in which they said we are seriously due of having, really planted fright among the minds of who live around the area. The Great Earthquake of San Francisco happened in 1906 when the said massive earthquake had reduced much of San Francisco Bay Area into piles of smoldering rubble. And the word is we are riped for such a great quake with a magnitude of 6.7 or greater and a chance of occuring about no less than 67% between now and 2032.
There was another big earthquake that happened in the Bay Area which is still fresh among the memory of the San Franciscans. It was the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake. The earthquake was so strong (7.1 magnitude) that the Oakland Bay Bridge collapsed. 63 were reported dead. The cost of property damage was about $6 billion. Many breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that it was the great earthquake everyone was talking about for decades. It could be so bad, but many people have luckily survived. However, little they know that it wasn't the big one. Loma Prieta was moderately big, but not big enough to be called the "Great Earthquake." Also, the type of motion of Loma Prieta quake was not typical of San Andreas fault (the fault of the Great 1906 Earthquake) and was even suggested that it occured on a sub-parallel fault and not on the San Andreas itself. So, the threat of having another Great Earthquake is still out there, which is very unfortunate for all of us...
About an hour and a half after the quake that night, I finally was able to relax. But, of course, I still kept my eyes peeled, in case another one comes along. I had to literally drive my parents out of my house so they could finally go home and rest. They wouldn't want to leave me alone after what had happened and since I was the only one with my kids, they were just worried that I would need help bringing the kids to a safe place. I tried to convince them that whatever happens, I would be ready for it, I already know our escape route and last but not the least, I would try not to panic (yeah right!). I guess they believed me, and so they left. After that, we all slept in the living room. I guess I was just trying to play it safe...it would give us more time go to a safe place when we're alread in the living room. My kids quickly forgot about the quake, and rather thought that we were having a slumber party in the living room---popcorn, soda and late night kids' cartoons. However, I still tried to help them brush-up on earthquake drills. Although, we have talked about this matter a million times before, there was no better time to do it than after having an earthquake itself. It would make them remember more, I guess.
Few moments later, the kids were fast asleep (I guess they were not up to a slumber party, after all! Just kidding!). I watched them while they were peacefully sleeping and said a sincere prayer of gratitude. I was really thankful that we turned out A-ok that night. I was also grateful that nobody else, even who is not family, got hurt. Though, we won't know when another earthquake would come and if it would be indeed the "big one", I just don't want to worry about it now. All I know is that there is a merciful God who will not leave us in times of trouble and despair. And on that very particular night, I really did feel that God was lovingly watching over us.
^__^
***Note: A friend of mine had warned me that it was much safer to stay inside the house, rather than to run outside during an earthquake. I thought about that, too. But since we're not being surrounded with high buildings and electrical lines, I think we have a better chance outside. Also, we have a very big empty field next to us which can serve our temporary safe haven.
****Another note: I decided to name the this entry "Doomsday" because of the timely showing of the History Channel's Special about the alleged end of the world on December 21, 2012. Wow! It's five years from now and as all of us know, 5 years would pass by just like that. According to the documentary, many prophecies, including the Mayan Calendar, has predicted that the end of the world would be on that day. Coincidentally, December 21, 2012 is also the year's winter solstice. This particular solstice, the sun and earth will also align with milky way's galactic center, which only happens about every 26,000 years. They say that there might be great effects on the sun, in which, in turn, will have great consequences on earth. What will happen on that fateful day? I honestly don't know. For a while, I would admit that I was scared. But then, I realized, if it would really happen, then there's nothing anyone can do. If it's God's will, then so be it. In the meantime, we just have to continue living our lives and seize our remaining days...
If you are interested in watching the special, here are the links:
Part I: http://youtube.com/watch?v=ecTE6lXI-m0
Part II: http://youtube.com/watch?v=gZUzFYwZlXA
Good luck and God bless us all!!!
