The Big One

I've had a week of company bonding events. I find them energizing and, at the same time, exhausting. Today, 2 scientists from Cal Tech came to discuss that perennial SoCal fave, earthquakes. They said that many people questioned scientists after Katrina and said, "you knew this was going to happen, why didnt you tell us?" So, they figure, we'll tell you.

To summarize: HOLY SHIT.

Here's the fun bits:
- Scientists cannot predict major earthquakes, but the one pattern they have seen is that a major earthquake occurs in SoCal every 150 years. The last one was 1857.
- The 1994 Northridge Earthquake is NOT considered a major earthquake, but 32 people died and $40 billion dollars worth of damage.
- Northridge was a 6.7 and lasted for 10 secs. The one they are expecting ANY DAY NOW is going to be 7.8 or above and last for 2-4 minutes.
- The scientists use a very technical term to describe the aftermath: REGIONAL CATASTROPHE.
- 21 million people live in the effected area. The San Andreas Fault where it will occur runs through some of the most populated and fastest growing areas in SoCal.
- All of LA's water, fuel, electricity, rail lines run through the Cajon Pass where the epicenter is likely to be. Early estimates say 7-10 days until water or electricity is restored if major hubs like the Port of LA is not damaged.
- The effect of the earthquake will likely be too big to drive out of the affected area. LA and the LA basin will likely be cut off from the north, so any aid would have to come from SD (if it is not damaged).
- If the earthquake happens during a Santa Ana wind season, the risk of fire is intense. There will be no water to fight subsequent fires and emergency services will be otherwise occupied.

BRING ON THE APOCALYPSE. Say it with me: I LOVE LA!