What can I expect if a major earthquake, like the one that struck Kobe, Japan, occurs?
A. The Kobe earthquake of January 17, 1995 registered 6.9 on the Richter Scale, with an epicentre directly below the surface. A similar quake in the Victoria area would likely cause massive destruction of buildings not reinforced to modern seismic standards. Bridges would be damaged, water mains maybe ruptured, sewer and gas lines may be disrupted. Ruptured gas lines would likely result in fire. Electrical power would be out and telephone service would probably be interrupted. Streets would be blocked by debris from damaged buildings, making evacuation difficult. Depending on the time of day, family members may be separated from each other; at work, home or school. Emergency services personnel would experience the same difficulties as everyone else in reporting for work. Hospitals would be inundated with casualties. People would need to rely on their battery-operated radios to learn about the scope of the disaster and efforts being made to deal with it.
