Although no deaths or serious injuries have been reported, Alaska’s Governor Bill Walker has issued a declaration of disaster following a massive magnitude 7.2 earthquake that struck the state’s largest capital of Anchorage. Damage in the state was captured on camera, which we will explore after we see how Trump initially responded to this disaster.
“To the Great people of Alaska. You have been hit hard by a “big one.” Please follow the directions of the highly trained professionals who are there to help you. Your Federal Government will spare no expense. God Bless you ALL!” Trump said, hours after news of the quake struck.
To the Great people of Alaska. You have been hit hard by a “big one.” Please follow the directions of the highly trained professionals who are there to help you. Your Federal Government will spare no expense. God Bless you ALL!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 30, 2018
Do you think Alaskans feel better after Trump reminded that they’ve been hit by a “big one”? Why can’t he just say earthquake? You can bet that if Alaska had voted for Hillary in 2016, Trump would be blaming the people of Alaska for not managing their plate tectonics correctly. It’s telling that he is promising the “spare no expense” to assist the state but he bashed California during the disastrous wildfires there.
Family is safe, but that was scary! West Anchorage, Alaska #earthquake pic.twitter.com/bVs4QlmDtg
— Clay Butcher (@ClayButcher) November 30, 2018
The Anchorage International Airport is a common refueling stop for many international cargo flights and is considered a very important hub for the global air shipping network. Air Traffic Controllers were forced to order a plane to abandon landing as it was landing while the earthquake was occurring. You can hear the ordeal in the audio below.
"Part of our ceiling's come down, and our equipment is everywhere."
Air traffic controllers at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport urge pilots to go around after powerful earthquake struck Anchorage, Alaska: https://t.co/jTm6LR5sF6 pic.twitter.com/rTATSj9rtG
— ABC News (@ABC) November 30, 2018
The Mayor of Anchorage issued a disaster declaration because in the first hour after the quake, significant infrastructure damage was discovered on key highway links. The National Guard will probably have to be brought in because few people have cell phone use, including Police and Firefighters. Many structures have been damaged as well, showing how for all of us, our way of life can be devastated in minutes from things out of our control. More of the damage can be seen in the social media post below.
About a mile from my house on Vine rd between KGB and Parks. #Alaskaearthquake #earthquake #alaska pic.twitter.com/5HnpXKGZUw
— David Ruffini (@SvrTroposphere) November 30, 2018