Haiti Earthquake

By Kristy Snow

Magnitude of the Earthquake
The Haiti Earthquake was a 7.0 on the Richter logarithmic scale. There is no maximum size on the scale. In comparing the Haiti earthquake to those against history, the largest earthquake ever was in Chile with a 9.5 on the Richter scale. The most recent earthquake in San Francisco (1989 Loma Prieta) was also a 7.0 earthquake. The Resulting damage is more devastating in Haiti due to building style and the epicenter location.
How Many People Have Died
The death toll is, at this time, is unclear, but Haiti officials fear that there will be around 100,000 that will be killed from the earthquake. Some other officials estimate that the death toll will be in the 30-50 thousand range. This makes the Haiti Earthquake one of the most devastating in history.
According to the US Geological Survey, since 1990, there have been four earthquakes that have had death tolls over 50,000. The largest death toll, since 1990, was 227,898 off the west coast of Northern Sumatra. The Loma Prieta earthquake, in San Francisco (with similar magnitude), had a death toll of 63.
Haiti Building Styles Contribute to Death Toll
One of the least expensive ways to build a home is with concrete. And, the most likely way to die in an earthquake is from something heavy falling on you. Many of the buildings in Haiti are build of concrete. And, since the area is historically not earthquake prone, the buildings aren't built for the shaking. Many people have been trapped under concrete rubble.
Many volunteers are needed to go and find people that may be covered or trapped by building debris. It will take many days to go through all the building rubble.
Haiti Earthquake Epicenter
The epicenter of the Haiti Earthquake was only 6.2 miles deep and only 10 miles from the city of Port -Au- Prince. That may sound pretty deep, but as earthquakes go it is very shallow. Most earthquakes are thousands of miles deep and barely felt. The closer the earthquake is to the surface, the more damaging it will be. That means that two earthquakes with the same magnitude can have far different effects based on the epicenter and location in relation to the city.
The Cause of the Haiti Earthquake
The cause of the earthquake is the same as most earthquakes. The land masses are built on floating tectonic plates. In Haiti, the North American Plate and the Caribbean plates struck together along the
Enriquillo-Plantain Garden Fault System. The plates slip back and forth against each other in an east west direction. Seismologists call this a strike slip boundary. Some seismologists would call this a strike slip earthquake because the two plates are getting stuck or striking against each other and these plates would normally slip against each other at a rate of a few millimeters per year.
How to Help People in the Haiti Earthquake
Former president Bill Clinton says to give money to relief agencies. The reason is that sending supplies is difficult to do when the roads and infrastructure are broken. Sending supplies also requires a lot more manpower and logistical problems. Professional relief agencies like the Red Cross know what supplies are needed and where to get them quickly. What they need are funds to buy the supplies.
The United States and the World Bank have each contributed 100 million dollars to helping the people of Haiti. That is an impressive figure and the response to help these people has been swift.
Sadly, there are many relief agencies that pop up under these stressful times that are only scams. Please be careful and give support where the money will be used wisely. The people of Haiti need lots of support and help. Any donations to this cause will be greatly be appreciated by the victims. Many people need money to start a new life after losing everything.
How to Find People in the Haiti Earthquake
The most popular way to find people and stay in touch is through Facebook. Since telephone lines have been disrupted, survivors can go online and post to their families and friends that they are doing well. Facebook has been a real life saver during this crisis.
Another way to find people is to call the state department 1-888-407-4747. President Obama has encouraged Americans trying to locate family members to call this number.
Summary
Our heart and prayers go out to the people of Haiti. We hope that our aid reaches them quickly and that their pain can be minimized.

For additional information about the Haiti earthquake, video footage, and earthquakes, in general, please visit Haiti Earthquake or you may also visit Earthquakes.

Bible Prophecy - Earthquake Initiates End Times Apocalypse - Understanding Revelation is Survival

By Richard Ruhling

The book of the apocalypse begins with John startled by "the sound of many waters," Revelation 1:15. John was called to be a prophet like Isaiah, whose description also included "the roaring of the sea...roaring like young lions." Isaiah 5:29,30 is the context for the earthquake. "The posts of the door moved...king Uzziah" (Isaiah 6:1,4) is the earthquake cited in Zechariah 14:5 ("earthquake...Uzziah").
The earthquake in Revelation 1 will separate "the things that [John] saw, and the things that are, and the things that shall be hereafter." Revelation 1:19. The earthquake is a watershed event. Revelation 1 is the past; Revelation 2,3 was present tense in John's time--"are the seven churches," and Revelation 4:1 introduces the future which is still future to us "things that must be hereafter" (after the earthquake). The earthquake in John's time was a type; our earthquake will be the antitype, when the scenes that John saw will be for real, not just prophetic.
The church at Laodicea was lukewarm with materialism. Christ wanted it hot or cold and said He would "knock." The city "was destroyed as also Colosse and Hierapolis, by an earthquake," Young's Analytical Concordance. That "knock" was an earthquake, also supported by the fact that the Hebrew word for knock, daphaq, includes a severe meaning, as used in Judges 19:22. History will repeat for us, also lukewarm with materialism.
In Revelation 4:7, the first creature by the throne is a lion. In Revelation 5:5, it is the Lion of Judah. In Revelation 6:1, when John hears thunder, it is the roar of the Lion of Judah. "The Lord also shall roar... and the heavens and earth shall shake." Joel 3:16. This earthquake initiates the seven seals beginning in Revelation 6:1, encoded as a "roar."
"Roar" (earthquake) is also seen preceding the seven thunders in Revelation 10:3. The seven trumpets are also preceded by an earthquake in Revelation 8:5,6. Paul reminds us, "the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction comes...But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. You are all the children of light...let us watch," 1 Thessalonians 5:2-6.
Christ says, "If therefore you shall not watch, I will come on you as a thief," Revelation 3:3. "But know this, that if the goodman...had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up," Matt 24:43. Christians are like the goodman who doesn't know when to watch. The Greek word for watch is gregoreuo and it means to stay awake as in a vigil, Matt 26:38-40.
It is beginning to look like important events are occurring on the appointed times of biblical feast days. When congress met to approve $760 billion bailout, it was October 1, the eve of the thin crescent signaling the Feast of Trumpets in Leviticus 23:24. Trumpets blew for 10 days till the Day of Atonement, a type of Judgment Day. And every day for 10 days, world markets crashed in an unprecedented way.
Another example is the pope's visit to Jerusalem. Christ's warning in Matthew 24:15 was understood by early believers as referring to Rome. When Cestius brought the Romans, Christians fled and were spared the siege by Titus a few years later. The Roman Empire fell, but the Holy Roman Empire emerged, and in a first-ever visit by a pope, John Paul went to Jerusalem in 2000. Since then, Jerusalem has been "compassed with armies" of Palestinians and others hostile to Israel, a sign that "the desolation thereof is nigh," Luke 21:20.
When Titus sieged Jerusalem, Herod's Temple burned on the 10th day of the 5th Jewish month according to Josephus, the same date Solomon's Temple burned nearly 700 years earlier, Jeremiah 52:12,13. This year the 10th day of the 5th month is August 2, and many Jews will fast and pray in honor of their history, as suggested in Zechariah 7:3-7. In sympathy with those who are in affliction, the Bible suggests our watching and praying or we could have our house broken. "If you do not watch, I will come on you as a thief." Revelation 3:3. "Could you not watch one hour?" Matthew 26:38-40.

Dr. Richard Ruhling is an author and conference speaker. His website on prophecy, Revelation and the wedding parables is http://www.theBridegroomComes.com He recommends his favorite book and DVD for low cost at http://www.TakeCareOfYourself.netfirms.com

8.9 Earthquake Japan - Fifth Largest Earthquake in the World Since 1755

By Lance Winslow

When it comes to Japan, they sure know how to rock n' roll - but they also seem to be good at setting records. The Sendai, Japan Earthquake of 2011 was the fifth largest earthquake ever felt, where adequate records were available. Can you say huge, I mean really huge?
Well, consider if you will that in all of recorded history since the Richter Scale was created there have only been three others larger than the one in Japan. For instance, according to WikiPedia, the Richter Scale was not even developed until 1935 by Charlie Sheen, I mean Charles Richter with Beno Gutenberg at Cal Tech in California, whereas, it was Charlie Sheen, an actor that appeared to lose his mind and shook Hollywood circa 2011.
If you will recall the recent Earthquake in Chile was an 8.8 and the Sumatra-Andaman earthquake quake was 9.3 which caused the giant Tsunamis throughout the Indian Ocean. Perhaps considering the Haiti Quake and the recent New Zealand quakes, which were quite a bit weaker, but not any less devastating to structures or ruined lives - it might make sense if you live in an Earthquake zone to have a plan.
Indeed, there is a very good book I can recommend to you if you don't feel as if you are properly prepared currently, and I will tell you that this is a book I do own personally living out here in California. The name of the book is:
"The Disaster Survival Handbook" Authored by Alton L. Thygerson, Brigham Young University, Salt Lake, UT, (1979) 248 pages, ISBN: 0-8425-1629-8.
The book explains what you can do in your own life, to protect your family and property, as well as what to do immediately afterwards. Not only is there excellent information earthquake preparedness, supplies needed, and how to battle ready your living environment - but also how to deal with aftershocks, power outages, drinking water, cooking, and surviving, literally surviving, as you won't have any communication, TV, Internet, gas, electricity, and you may not be able to drink the water, even if you have some flowing through the pipes.
This is a great survival book, because it handles all types of disasters, and I ask you - are you and your family ready when and if disaster strikes? Be prepared because when such an event hits emergency services will potentially be so overwhelmed, you are on your own. Thus, maybe this is a good wake-up call for you to consider the reality of such a potential eventuality. Think on it.

Lance Winslow is the Founder of the Online Think Tank, a diverse group of achievers, experts, innovators, entrepreneurs, thinkers, futurists, academics, dreamers, leaders, and general all around brilliant minds. Lance Winslow hopes you've enjoyed today's discussion and topic. http://www.WorldThinkTank.net - Have an important subject to discuss, contact Lance Winslow.

Earthquake Causes

By Juan Valks

Earthquakes are a naturally occurring shock or movement that occurs on or just below the earth crust. This can cause massive devastation in the area of the earthquake and in areas spreading out from the center of the quake.
All true earthquakes are natural and are not linked to any man made activities such as shocks from nuclear testing or landslides that result from extensive building work. There are two main causes of earthquakes - Tectonic activity which is caused by the earth plates moving or faults or volcanic activity which is caused by volcanic eruptions.
Out of the two earthquake causes tectonic activity is the most common, although volcanic activity can cause earthquakes in certain areas of the world. Tectonic earthquake causes begin when there is movement in the earth Tectonic plates. These plates are made up of sections of the earth crust and they float on the earth mantle. Most of the time these plates are slowly in moving; they might slide towards or away from each other or even slip past each other. However, it is when these Tectonic plates collide or move too closely to each other that an earthquake is caused.
Scientists have devised the Elastic Rebound Theory to describe what happens during these times of movement. To explain this, think about bending a green twig. You will know that you can bend the twig and it will hold up until a certain point, until the energy on the twig becomes too much and it snaps. The point of snapping is known as the Elastic Limit. When this happens the energy created during the bending process is released which makes the twig vibrate.
When Tectonic plates collide or rub against each other the same process occurs and this will cause an earthquake. One example of constantly moving plates is the San Andreas Fault in the US. Here the North American Plate and the Pacific Plate both move in the same direction, but one is faster than the other. This leads to small shocks and occasionally large quakes in the San Francisco area of America.
Volcanic earthquakes are created when a volcano erupts, which can be quite a violent explosion. Usually these earthquakes will affect an area of up to 20 miles around the volcano and the earthquake is not likely to be felt anywhere else in the world.
A volcano is more likely to explode if it contains acidic lava. This is lava that will quickly cool and set when in contact with the air. When this happens the vent of the volcano will become blocked and pressure will build up inside it. Over time this pressure will increase until the volcano erupts. Volcanoes that do not contain acidic lava or which have free flowing lava tend not to erupt in this way and are considered to be much safer.
As you can see there are two main earthquake causes - Tectonic plate activity and volcanic eruptions. Tectonic earthquakes are much more common although there are still instances of volcanic earthquakes in various countries around the globe.

Juan m Valks have the las last information in this topic at: http://www.earthquakecauses.com.

Earthquake Insurance - Protect Your Assets and Investments

By Mostafa EL-Engebawy, Ph.D.

Earthquake Hazards in the United States
Although the West Coast and Alaska generally has the greatest earthquake activity, the potential for earthquakes exist almost everywhere in the United States. Active areas in the Midwest include: 1) The New Madrid Seismic Zone in southeastern Missouri which has the potential to impact eight states: Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee; and 2) The Wabash Valley Seismic Zone along Illinois-Indiana border that would impact three states: Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky. In Eastern United States, another active region is the Charleston area in South Carolina.
Earthquake Prediction in California and the Midwest
California has 99.7% probability of having a moment magnitude Mw = 6.7 earthquake (same as Northridge event) during the next 30 years. The southern segment of San Andreas Fault has the highest probability of generating such an earthquake in Southern California with a 67% chance of striking Los Angeles Area, while Hayward Fault is the most likely earthquake source in Northern California with a 63% chance of striking San Francisco Bay Area. Larger earthquakes are less likely during the same time frame; 94%, 46% and 4.5% for Mw = 7.0, 7.5, and 8.0, respectively. On the other hand, the probability of a New Madrid earthquake of Mw = 6.0 or greater occurring in the next 50 years is 25-40%, while a repeat of the 1811-1812 earthquakes of Mw = 7.7 is 7-10% according to the United States Geological Survey. However, most structures in the Midwest were not built to withstand earthquake shaking. Moreover, earthquake awareness and preparedness in the Midwest have lagged far behind as compared to the West Coast.
What if your Home is Destroyed or Partially Damaged?
Many people wrongly believe that the United States Government will take care of all their financial needs if they suffer losses in an earthquake which is not true. In fact, the federal disaster relief programs are designed to help you get partly back on your feet but not to replace everything you lose. In the meantime, homeowners insurance does not cover earthquake damage to your home and possessions. Therefore, most of the property damage caused by an earthquake will end up being handled and paid for by you. In addition, you are still responsible for your existing debts such as mortgage, auto loans, and credit card payments even if your home is destroyed or partially damaged.
How to Protect your Assets and Investments?
If you own your home, it is probably your biggest financial asset. You have worked hard to secure your piece of the American Dream to become a homeowner. Your assets and investments made in personal belongings may be at risk when an earthquake strikes as your home will probably have some level of damage. How do you plan to protect these assets and investments from the costs of destructive earthquakes? Earthquake preparedness plans that include retrofitting your home and mitigating its contents are effective ways for protection against earthquake damage. Another option for managing the potential costs is to buy earthquake insurance.
Earthquake Insurance
Earthquake insurance provides coverage for ground shaking that may destroy your home, business, and personal belongings. Coverage for other kinds of damage that may result from earthquakes, such as fire and water damage due to burst gas and water pipes, is provided by standard homeowner and business insurance policies. On the other hand, cars and other vehicles are covered for earthquake damage only under the comprehensive part of the auto insurance policy. The states of California, Washington, Missouri, Tennessee, Oregon, Illinois, New York, Kentucky, Florida, and Indiana are the top 10 largest markets for earthquake insurance coverage. Earthquake insurance premiums differ widely by location, insurance company, and the construction material of your home. Older buildings cost more to insure than newer ones. Wood-frame structures benefit from lower rates than unreinforced masonry buildings as they tend to withstand earthquake forces better. A wood frame house in the Pacific Northwest costs $1-3 per $1,000 worth of coverage but less than $0.50 on the East Coast, while an unreinforced masonry home costs $3-15 per $1,000 in the Pacific Northwest but $0.60-0.90 in New York.
Do You Need Earthquake Insurance?
A wise decision on earthquake insurance is crucial if you live in an active seismic region. My family and I survived the 1995 Kobe Earthquake because I decided to live in a relatively new reinforced concrete apartment building although the rent was higher than traditional Japanese wooden houses. The three story main building stood still after the earthquake except an extension that partially collapsed, while many of the surrounding traditional houses completely collapsed. However, the apartment contents were damaged including the refrigerator, a microwave, and a large TV. The answers to the following questions may help you to decide if earthquake insurance is right for you:

• Do you know the plausible earthquake hazard at your home?
• How much would it cost to repair/rebuild your home?
• Can you afford paying the mortgage while also paying to repair/rebuild your home?
• Can you afford losing your home equity?
• How much would it cost to replace your household expensive possessions (furniture, computers, HDTV's, refrigerators, etc) if destroyed?
• How much would temporary accommodations cost if you cannot live in your home after the earthquake?

Interesting Facts on Earthquake Insurance
It is surprising to know that only 12% of California residents currently have earthquake insurance coverage down from 33% in 1996 when the devastating 1994 Northridge Earthquake was still fresh in people's minds. On the other hand, 35% of Missouri homes have earthquake insurance coverage which seems reasonable.
Concluding Remark
On January 09, 2010 the powerful Mw = 6.5 Offshore Northern California Earthquake caused moderate damage to the City of Eureka and elsewhere in Humboldt County. Few days later, on January 12, 2010, a catastrophic earthquake of magnitude 7.0 struck Haiti which is considered to be one of the deadliest quakes in the last four decades. These earthquakes are wake up calls for individuals living in active seismic regions to re-consider retrofitting their homes and mitigating their contents to protect themselves and their families; to develop, update, or maintain their own earthquake preparedness plans; and to re-consider buying earthquake insurance to manage the potential costs of future inevitable earthquakes.

Additional information on earthquake insurance including illustrative figures and photos can be found at http://hubpages.com/hub/earthquake-insurance-protect-your-assets-and-investments
My family and I survived the January 17th 1995 Kobe Earthquake although our building partially collapsed. Check my website for additional information on earthquake awareness and preparedness in the United States including earthquake damage photos of Kobe earthquake.