Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
itself experiences an uplifting of its riverbed, causing temporary reverse flow for
12 hours and wave-surge events causing damage to the levee systems. Various levee
systems and dams throughout the Kentucky area have failed resulting in extensive
flooding and damages to critical infrastructures including wastewater facilities and
telecommunications. Initial reports indicate significant damage to bridges includ-
ing complete destruction of the Interstate 24 Bridge and the Irvin S. Cobb Bridge
in Paducah, Kentucky.
Summary of Specific Damage
Shaking and soil liquefaction of land surrounding the fault line in Kentucky cause
the following:
◾
Severe infrastructure damage in 14 counties
◾
Localized flooding in low-lying areas along the Mississippi River
◾
Destroyed or compromised roads, railroad tracks, buildings, and other infra-
structure along the fault line
◾
Release of hazardous materials due to damaged structures and flooding from
the river and levee and dam breaks
◾
Structural damage to levees and dams resulting in damage to wastewater and
telecommunications systems
◾
Structural damage to drinking water treatment facilities and distribution systems
◾
Power outages as a result of transmission line damage
◾
Communication failure because of cell phone tower and phone line damage.
Phase 1: 0 to 4 Days after Earthquake Tuesday, April 12-Friday, April 15
Aftershocks continue during the days following the earthquake, several of them
more than magnitude 6.5, dislodging debris and weakening already damaged
structures. Aftershocks contribute to soil liquefaction and shifts in the Mississippi
and Ohio rivers along western Kentucky.
Direct Earthquake Damage
As search and rescue operations continue, the death toll rises to more than 2500
throughout the various states. In Kentucky, more than 300 fatalities, 1500 inju-
ries requiring hospital attention, and 5000 minor injuries are reported as a result
of collapsed buildings and infrastructure damages. The primary locations of the
casualties are located in McCracken, Graves, Ballard, Daviess, and Marshall
Counties.
Hundreds of people are missing. Area hospitals and clinics are overwhelmed,
especially in the major and medium impact zones. The Kentucky National Guard is
setting up emergency tent hospitals to address the surge in patients. Communities
within the major impact zone are completely without electricity, as are almost half
of the communities in the medium impact zone.
