Kingston, Jamaica:
Today January 14, 2007 marks the cenetenial of the great earthquake that struck Kingston, Port Royal and other parts of the Island on January 14, 2007 that caused widespread damages to buildings and massive loss of lives. Though the capital felt the brunt of the 'quake' the rest of the island was not spared the wrath and fires broke out killing hundreds of people in its wake.
The powerful 'quake' that struck at approximately 3:32 pm on Monday, January 14, 1907 lasted about 40 seconds. It killed over 1500 people, including prominent merchants and professionals in the Capital City of the island. So great was the devastation that hundreds of dead bodies lied on the street, and had to be buried in mass graves at the May Pen Cemetery in Kingston.
The estimated cost of the damage at the time was $1.6 Million pound.
To recognise this time in history this week will be celebrated as 'Earthquake awareness week' where a number of activities including a church service cordinated by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) today is down to mark the period.
The lessons learnt during the 1907 Earthquake by our fore parents, enable us to take stock that we need to be prepared for an earthquake at anytime.