2006 Hawaiian Earthquake

Jeryl Gates

NSCI315 Natural Disasters

Disaster Paper

15 November 2006

Executive Summary

• Introduction

Earthquakes come without notice, cause their damages and leave lasting effects in their paths. Recently, two major earthquakes jolted the citizens and visitors in Hawaii. As the emergency unfolded, the Hawaiian citizens found they had "heroes" among them and that their laid back attitude has its payoff in the form of easing through an emergency situation.

• Earthquake Data

Every earthquake arrives with a set of built-in characteristics--the S and P waves, magnitude, depth, and intensity. However, the actual measurements give earthquakes their uniqueness. Scientists and scientific measures provide important details and observations about the earthquake.

• Brief History of Hawaii and Its Earthquakes

Seven million years in the making, the Hawaiian Islands are a heavy load on the Molokai Fracture Zone. Seismic movement under the Fracture Zone played a big part in this Earthquake.

• Damages to the Individual Islands

Islands of Hawaii, Maui, Oahu had major damages while, Kauai, Lanai, and Molokai hardly felt the earthquake and had no damages. Why?

• Earthquake Insurance and Statistics

Only 10% to 15% of all Hawaiians are insured against earthquakes. Insurance companies are happy because it keeps their payouts fairly low. It's been over a quarter of a century since the last earthquake that was over 7.0 on the Richter scale and over a century since the last "worst" earthquake; making citizens lax in obtaining insurance coverage.

• Could Some of the Damages Have Been Prevented?

What could Hawaii and its citizens have done to avoid some of the damages and inconveniences?

• "Heroes" to the Rescue Bring Positive Outcomes to a Disastrous Event

There were 100s of "heroes" that arrived in Hawaii to help with the emergency brought to them by Mother Nature.

• Conclusion...