Friday, January 9, 2009

Serious


I didn't post yesterday, Thursday, Jan 8, because about two PM I was painting at my table, and my two dogs, Pokey and Taco Belle run over to me and huddle up under my feet. They're always snoozing on their mats while I work, so I asked em "Que Pasa? A few seconds later, everything in the place starts swaying. I've only been in a couple of small tremors during my 3 years in Costa Rica, and never experienced an earthquake before, but there was no doubt about what it was, and we were out the door in 1.392 seconds. We're about 20 miles from the epicenter, which was close to volcano Poas, and was not serious or damaging here....but very scary. It wasn't jolting, but rather like waves on land...and undulating effect. After it was over, I thought, "wow, kinda neat". Stupid me, not neat. Deadly. This morning we have over 20 dead with many more suspected and missing and hundreds missing. Lots of damage. As in California, or Japan and elsewhere, if you live in an earthquake-prone zone...expect em.
I researched the web last night on the recent Yellowstone earthquakes. Now THAT is REALLY scary. All of Yellowstone is in the caldera of the world's largest volcano. It is 40,000 years overdue for a major eruption. One is expected soon. However, SOON, in geological terms could be 5,000 years or so. The last major eruption happened somewhat before man started prowling around the planet, but was estimated to be over 1000 times the size of Mt. St Helens and covered areas with volcanic ash as far south as Louisiana. And that was classified as a moderate eruption, in relation to its potential. An eruption of its POTENTIAL would deliver a punch 300 MILLION times the strength of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki A-Bombs, destroying much of North America and enshrouding the planet in volcanic dust clouds for two years. Have a nice day.

3 comments:

  1. I'm glad you have an early warning system but hopefully they can give you a little more time to brace yourself. Glad you're okay.

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  2. I agree with Sheila, stay safe you are too funny !

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  3. I thought of you when I read the news. Maybe we were thinking of each other at the same time. Thank you for your kind note and your prayers. Glad to hear you are safe.

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