Earthquake in Hawaii

As-Salaamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh,

It was 1:08 PM for me when my wife frantically called me. Panic was in her voice and I immediately knew something was desperately wrong. As she spoke, I realized that I was seperated from my family, by more than 5,000 miles during the largest earthquake that has hit Hawai'i since 1975. At the moment, I wish I was there. I am a California native and I am prepared for such a thing, but I knew this was the first time my family had ever experienced such an event.
Immediately I wanted to assess the magnitude of the earthquake. I knew that it would take a little bit of time for the major news sources to respond, however, I knew that by going to primary sources, I would get information much faster. So I turned to the US Geological Survey website. It wasn't too long before I had located the quake report. It showed a quake of 6.3. Not only that, it showed that several earthquakes occurred during that hour span. I then realized exactly what my wife felt since I had experienced the October 18, 1989, 7.1 magnitude earthquake of San Francisco.

Fortunately, my wife called me at a time well most people still were trying to get their bearings. She was able to get through to me easily and I to her. I immediately told her to travel to the top of Makakilo, to seek high ground, in the event of a tsunami. It wasn't until sometime has passed and after checking with the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center that I was able to relay to her that there was no threat of a tsunami. She had related that she heard no sirens, but even then, I realized that by the time she heard sirens on the Ewa Plains, the traffic would be way too much on Ft. Weaver Road to evacuate in time.

I immediately tried to visit other local websites. Many government websites were down to include the State Civil Defense site. The Honolulu Star Bulletin was down, however, the Honolulu Advertiser was up and running. Some of the television stations were up and running but by that time, my wife was already streaming information to me.

To keep the lines freed up, we resorted to using SMS. At least I was able to keep tabs on her. Once I knew she was safe, my next thoughts turned to food and water. Since my family is relocating from the Islands to the Mainland, I was concerned since most of the stock we would normally have in the house was gone. Fortunately, the Ewa Foodland was open and she was able to get what she needed. Neighbors and just the good friendly people of West Oahu were all the reassurance my wife and I needed.

I am going to miss Hawai'i. There is no people warmer, friendlier, than those of Hawai'i. No matter your skin tone, your religion, or the language you speak, you are part of the Ohana. Unfortunately, econmic reasons have set me on a path from the beautiful Islands that I have called home for the past 12 years. It will be difficult for my four children who know nothing else but Hawai'i. I am sure that Hawai'i will always be in our hearts. I am also sure my children will always be quick to answer that they are from Hawai'i.

Aloha and Mahalo Nui Loa

Wa Salaamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh

Abdul Rashid Abdullah