[PADG:1240] NW Earthquake report

["Normandy Helmer" <nhelmer@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

As most of you know, the Seattle area was hit by a large earthquake
yesterday mid-morning, 6.8 amplitude--stronger than the Northridge quake.
Fortunately the quake occurred very deeply underground and most of the
shaking was absorbed before it got to the surface. There was one reported
fatality and many minor injuries. The quake was felt as far south as Eugene,
which is some 200 miles away from the epicenter. The state of Washington has
substantial damage to its infrastructure including road closures, damaged
buildings, and jammed phone lines.

Many NW libraries and museums have posted reports to various lists
summarizing a general lack of significant damage. The University of
Washington Libraries appear to have been hardest hit, primarily by books
falling off shelves. One of their libraries had more significant structural
damage including stacks that swayed in different directions and is one of
several temporarily closed.

It looks as if damage is generally relatively small and well contained, and
institutions have response efforts underway. Thanks to all those who have
offered assistance to the region.

The new regional preservation list serve has been active, facilitating
communication, and the enrollment at the March 20 workshop on "Exercising
Your Disaster Plan" has gotten an attendance boost. In short we've all been
pretty lucky and hope to learn from this dramatic demonstration of the
importance of disaster preparedness.

Normandy Helmer
Coordinator of Preservation & Digital Services/
Oregon Newspaper Project
University of Oregon Library
1299 University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403-1299
541-346-1864 ? Fax 541-346-1882
nhelmer@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
libweb.uoregon.edu/preservn