avatarAnnelise Lords

Summary

The author recounts their personal experience of surviving an earthquake in Jamaica and reflects on the need for earthquake preparedness and drills, while also sharing historical context and personal reflections on the event.

Abstract

The article titled "I Survived An Earthquake Last Night" details the author's harrowing experience during a recent earthquake in Jamaica. Despite the intense heat affecting their physical and mental state, the author was jolted awake by the shaking of their house and the screams of neighbors. The earthquake, measured at 4.9 magnitude by the Earthquake Unit at the University of the West Indies, caused many Jamaicans to panic and forget the safety protocols they were taught in school. The author emphasizes the importance of earthquake drills and education to prepare for such events, drawing a parallel to the historic 1692 Port Royal earthquake that devastated the city. The author expresses gratitude that the recent quake only caused moments of fear and no significant damage. The piece concludes with a call to read more from the author and other talented writers on the platform, offering links to additional reading material and resources.

Opinions

  • The author believes that Jamaica needs to implement regular earthquake drills and improve public education on earthquake safety protocols.
  • There is a sense of disbelief and shock experienced by the author and others in the community during the earthquake, leading to a paralysis that contradicted their school training.
  • The author reflects on the historical significance of earthquakes in Jamaica, particularly the miraculous survival of Lewis Galdy during the 1692 Port Royal earthquake.
  • The author is thankful for the minimal impact of the recent earthquake compared to past disasters, such as the one that destroyed Port Royal.
  • The article suggests that readers should engage with more writings from the author and other contributors to the platform, indicating a belief in the value of shared experiences and stories.

I Survived An Earthquake Last Night

Seconds later I felt my house shaking followed by screams.

Image by Annelise Lords

It’s crazy hot in Jamaica. Summer left, but the heat stayed. It not only affects my body, but it is also detaining my mind too. It sucks my energy, and I must be fighting myself just to think and move daily.

I lay in bed because I was tired for an unknown reason. Suddenly I heard a noise on my roof. I ignored it because my neighbors’ cats think they have a right to trespass, fight, and leave their feces anywhere on my property.

I am a dog gal.

Seconds later I felt my house shaking followed by screams outside.

The shaking went on for a few seconds as I lay in bed in the darkness wondering, ‘what the hell. . .’

Many people on my street ran outside.

They taught us in school what to do in case of an earthquake. Last night, the Jamaicans who felt it, most did the opposite. I am guilty too. Shock paralyzed me and others. My country needs to do Earthquake drills for everyone and educate us on what to do during an earthquake and aftershocks.

I am grateful no damage was done to life and property.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaicans on Thursday reported feeling an earthquake in sections of the island.

According to the Earthquake Unit at the University of the West Indies, Mona, the 4.9 magnitude quake occurred about 7:31 p.m. with its epicenter located approximately 5km west of Hope Bay, Portland.

I prayed thanking God it wasn’t as disastrous as the one in Port Royal in 1692.

There is a very exciting story about Lewis Galdy; he was swallowed alive into the earth by one shock and then was thrown into the sea by another shock. He swam until a boat took him up. Galdy lived forty-seven years after his miraculous escape and is buried in the St. Peter’s Anglican churchyard in Port Royal.

In schools, we were taught that the earth swallowed Lewis Galdy up in the 1692 Earthquake, then spit him out back. Lol

THE GRAVESTONE OF LEWIS GALDY IN THE CHURCHYARD AT PORT ROYAL. THE INSCRIPTION REVEALS THAT HE WAS BORN IN MONTPELIER IN FRANCE AND WAS SWALLOWED UP BY THE GREAT EARTHQUAKE OF 1692 AND THEN BY THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD, THROWN BY ANOTHER SHOCK INTO THE SEA AND MIRACULOUSLY SAVED. PHOTO ©DEREK BISHTON

I am grateful that the tiny earthquake only caused moments of fear.

For healing, check out our latest book

Thank you for reading this piece. I hope you enjoy it and will savor more from some talented writers on this platform, whose links are below.

Savor more from QayumHalleemCharlie

Taste more from Astral Escapes ∞

Feast on more from Dr Mehmet Yildiz

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