Over the course of the day, I've seen different magnitudes listed for the quake that rolled through at 8:30 this morning. Reuters has it listed as a 6.7. Several Alaska based newsgroups had it listed at a 7.2. However, most sources seem to agree that it was a 7.0. Although that is slightly less than the 7.1 that woke me up when we were still renting the duplex, it seemed stronger, probably because it was closer to the surface.
This one was also closer to populated areas, including Anchorage--Alaska's largest city. The pictures and videos being shared are downright humbling; they show an awesome power that humans are nearly powerless against. Thankfully, not many people were injured, and I don't believe that any fatalities today were due to the earthquake.
I was standing at my classroom door, welcoming students and wishing them a happy Friday. As I play back the event in my mind, I cannot remember if the bell had just rung or if it rang shortly after I noticed the ground was shaking. It was clear in a few moments that it was ramping up, so I told my students (juniors) to get under the tables. They responded immediately. I stayed in the archway and ushered a few students who were still in the halls into my room. Aside from some dust, nothing came down from the ceiling.
Once the rolling stopped, I gave my students the all clear, then tension broke, and we talked about what happened in a light-hearted way. I only had to tell a few of them to get under the tables when the aftershock hit later in the period. While I still continued with the day's lessons, the earthquake was certainly a topic of conversation throughout the day.
At home, the only "damage" I noticed was in my office. Sadly, I was given a alternate scenario for Luke's trench run as it looked like Han shot just a second too late. There's no reason to worry as everything is now reset as it should be (even if the arrangement of the room has the Millennium Falcon coming in from the wrong side).
I am truly grateful that this event was not worse. I have the deepest sympathies for those farther north who are dealing with a great deal more damage and destruction. I am glad to see that many businesses are giving their employees time to get their homes together and letting them focus on their families before dealing with the damage at work.
This one was also closer to populated areas, including Anchorage--Alaska's largest city. The pictures and videos being shared are downright humbling; they show an awesome power that humans are nearly powerless against. Thankfully, not many people were injured, and I don't believe that any fatalities today were due to the earthquake.
I was standing at my classroom door, welcoming students and wishing them a happy Friday. As I play back the event in my mind, I cannot remember if the bell had just rung or if it rang shortly after I noticed the ground was shaking. It was clear in a few moments that it was ramping up, so I told my students (juniors) to get under the tables. They responded immediately. I stayed in the archway and ushered a few students who were still in the halls into my room. Aside from some dust, nothing came down from the ceiling.
Once the rolling stopped, I gave my students the all clear, then tension broke, and we talked about what happened in a light-hearted way. I only had to tell a few of them to get under the tables when the aftershock hit later in the period. While I still continued with the day's lessons, the earthquake was certainly a topic of conversation throughout the day.
At home, the only "damage" I noticed was in my office. Sadly, I was given a alternate scenario for Luke's trench run as it looked like Han shot just a second too late. There's no reason to worry as everything is now reset as it should be (even if the arrangement of the room has the Millennium Falcon coming in from the wrong side).
I am truly grateful that this event was not worse. I have the deepest sympathies for those farther north who are dealing with a great deal more damage and destruction. I am glad to see that many businesses are giving their employees time to get their homes together and letting them focus on their families before dealing with the damage at work.
RSS Feed
