People don’t realize the SOUND that an earthquake brings.
Having experienced quite a few earthquakes — starting with Sylmar in 1971 and through and including Northridge, I have a theory why they are so terrifying.
We live our lives with the certainty that “Terra Firma” will be “firma.” When the ground itself shifts, then everything you believe, everything you hang your entire world picture on, is out the door.
You are a tiny, naked creature in a big world over which you have no control. The love of God is your only shield to what is happening.
The fear we feel is atavistic.
well said, and I agree 100% on the terra firma comment.
That's exactly what I have been saying for years. I really hate earthquakes. I'll take our Gulf Coast hurricanes and tornadoes any day...first, we have warning that they're coming and second, at least the ground is stable (unless a tornado is right on top of you, and then that's the least of your worries, anyway.)
I haven't been through anything bigger than a 5.3 (southern California), but that was enough for me.
In 2002 we had the 6.5 San Simeon quake in central CA. I was in the kitchen and the sound was amazing. At first I thought it was a low flying prop plane like say a C130 but then it stalled over the house. I looked up and out the window I saw the ground rise in a rolling sort of fashion. We were without power and the after shocks that went on for days kept us on edge. I hope not to go through that again.