Earth's Fury

2 Pages 378 Words

On March 28, 1964 the United States saw it’s largest earthquake. It occurred in

Alaska, covering an area of about 600,000 square kilometers. This devastating event cost

Alaska millions of dollars, and 110 casualties. The massive earthquake caused

businesses, schools, and major stores to be out of business, generated a huge tsunami, and

created a devouring landslide, which covered a large area.

Anchorage suffered the most damage with over thirty blocks of thriving

commercial buildings, and businesses being destroyed. Two public schools were

completely demolished, and one was severely damaged. One major department store and

two housing complexes collapsed as a result of the earthquake. The earthquake cause a

total of 311 million dollars in property damage, and only lasted an estimated three

minutes.

The shock generated a tsunami around the gulf of Alaska. This treacherous

tsunami claimed fifteen lives, and caused serious damage. Parts of Hawaii, and Canada

also experienced the effect of this huge wave Canada. Its maximum height was sixty-

seven meters, it was also recorded on the tide gages of Cuba and Puerto Rico. Effects of

this tsunami were felt globally.

The people that were lucky enough to escape the major effects of the earthquake,

weren’t lucky entirely. When the earthquake occurred it brought a severe landslide with

it, causing heavy damage. An area of 140 acres with seventy-five houses on it was

completely destroyed. The slide also damaged the water and gas mains, causing even
more problem for the people of Alaska. A numerous amount of telephone lines and

electrical systems were also destroyed because of the slide.

The effects of the earthquake was felt by everyone, not just by the victims, but by

the people who’s everyday lives were changed due to harsh geographical conditions. The

technology used to predict earth...