WEATHER, ELEMENTS, EARTHQUAKES, DISASTERS of Costa Ricas
EARTHQUAKES:
COSTA RICA EARTHQUAKE - JANUARY 8, '09 - INFORMATION & HOW YOU CAN HELP! edit
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TO FAMILY & FRIENDS THAT HAVE BEEN EMAILING/CALLING ASKING ABOUT HOW WE ARE FROM THE 6.1 EARTHQUAKE THAT HIT COSTA RICA JAN. 8, '09:
I’m creating this VERY detailed site so ya’ll know we’re ok but also so you can understand via pictures/videos/info how tragic this 6.1 earthquake was to many & MOST IMPORTANTLY, in hopes that you will help out in WHATEVER way you can!!!
If you live in the U.S. & would like to donate money, I have created an option via Bank of America or Paypal- see below.
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Since it's inevitable that we WILL be having more earthquakes in Costa Rica, I’ve organized an
EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS CLASS
with Emergency Response Expert & employee of Costa Rica's Comision Nacional de Emergencias - John Laurent
WHEN: Sat. Feb. 7 - 9-11am-Spanish. 11am-1pm-English
WHERE: The House of Self Empowerment in Escazu http://HouseOfSelfEmpowerment.com).
For more info/to reserve/for directions, call 8-378-6679 or e- me at HouseOfSelfEmpowerment@gmail.com.
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In the meantime - I've started compiling a list of things you can do to be better prepared for the next earthquake.
THINGS TO HAVE TO HELP BE A BIT MORE PREPARED FOR FUTURE EARTHQUAKES!
For more info go to: . . . http://SarongGoddess.com/gallery/7094411_akrDT
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A LITTLE DETAILS ON WHAT HAPPENED:
On JANUARY 8, '09 Costa Rica was hit by a pretty strong 6.1 Earthquake.
Thank Goddess the epicenter wasn’t in a more developed area as there could have been seriously more damage & loss of life. As it was, the epicenter was in a very rural location north of Poas Volcano.
Last I heard, the casualties were 23 dead & 8 people still missing though, sadly, quite likely, many of them could have been buried under tons of dirt from the landslides that seemed to create the most damage (due in part to lots of recent rains & the hilliness of the area). It seems like in some areas the ground just opened up taking whatever was in it's way (pictures below).
Closer to us, Alajuela (near the airport) had some damage. The area near some of Costa Rica’s major attractions – La Paz Waterfalls Park was SERIOUSLY damaged (we still haven’t seen an assessment but from what I’ve gathered, the road near the waterfall anyone can drive through was destroyed. I heard the road between the Poas Volcano & La Paz had serious damage but I believe the road many of you have traveled on from our end to Poas is ok & it’s sounding like the Poas Volcano has re-opened. Practically a whole village was eaten alive by a the ground literally opening up.
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BIG TIME blessings/heart-to-heart connections to ALL those that have been effected by this disaster & ease to the Spirits that have made their transition who I send this HOPI PRAYER of The Soul's Graduation:
DO NOT STAND AT MY GRAVE & WEEP
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there.
I do not sleep
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glints on snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn rain
When you awaken in the mornings hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there. I did not die.
My Spirit is still alive…
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MY EXPERIENCE:
First off, we’re ok on the SouthWest end of the Central Valley (Escazu – 7 minutes West of San Jose)!!
Having lived in California for over 40 years, I’ve been through stronger than 6.1 but this one different because I've never been so close to the epicenter (about 20-ish miles). WOW what a difference that makes!! I have a renewed sense of respect for those living near an epicenter. Actually, when I was first living in Pozos, we had an earthquake one night – I think it was around 2am. I was having a hard time sleeping when I finally went to bed & tossed & turned (I actually can feel/hear things that dogs can hear & it wasn’t the first time I “felt” an earthquake coming on) & then it sounded like what I had heard described many times before – like a train coming at you. It stopped right at my place & it was a bit scarry. Come to find out – it was just I believe about a 3.4 but it was epicentered about 10 miles from us.
So back to this earthquake. I equate part of it perhaps to the fact I was in the kitchen doing dishes (those that know me KNOW that’s a task warranting some shaking up!!). I ran back to see if my guests were ok – especially Patricia & 2-y.o. son Noe who we thought were in the Master Suite (my guest house is 6,000 sq’). I called & called & didn’t hear anything & we were worried but Carolina (my FAB massage therapist) yelled out that they were walking down the driveway & ok though VERY shakin’ watching the HUGE trees that surrounding them move BIG TIME!!! Luckily we only had a couple glasses break & a few things fall but my main artwork consists of about 20 sarongs - quite earthquake proof but not everyone was as fortunate.
I’ve never experienced so many aftershocks as this one & some pretty strong ones at that (kinda keeps ya on edge!) (there's a good article on the aftershocks at: http://insidecostarica.com/dailynews/2009/january/16/nac01.htm)
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REPORT FROM SOMEONE NEAR THE EPICENTER:
We live below San Miguel and felt the quake and many of the aftershocks (and are still feeling them).
There is 4wd access past our farm into Cariblanco and heavy equipment, quad bikes and 4 x 4 ambulances have been using it since the quake.
Although the area at the epicenter is largely rural fruit and veg productions along the Vara Blanca road (the old highway to Sarapaqui that was used before the building of the Zurchi pista to Limon) there are some very large tourist attractions, in particular the $200 / night Peace Lodge and the La Paz waterfall gardens. As of tonight, it is believed that all surviving tourists and locals are out of the area, indeed Cariblanco was evacuated amid fears of further landslides.
The only access to La Paz has been through helicopter rescue - many foreigners were charged $500 by private helicopters to be evacuated which was pretty disgusting - but the current death toll (18, with 64 missing) is only the start. 275 people (tourists and employees) hiked out of La Paz for 5 hrs on Friday morning, many giving first hand reports of watching landslides wipe out the restaurant where people were having lunch, and indeed some watched their family members being buried alive.
Other reports include 29 tourists looking at the lowest waterfall along the road side and not being accounted for. Their bus fell 50 m in a landslide and amazingly the driver survived. There is always 4 or 5 stands at the waterfall selling fruit and trinkets and all these people perished too along with several truck drivers about to cross the bridge heading north. Of the 64 missing currently reported to the red cross only 4 are foreigners (all from the UK) and no other tourists are as yet considered missing.
OIJ gained access to the La Paz car park today by helicopter and have started the process of recording all car number plates and tracing owners and rental agencies in order to account for missing people.
There will be additional fatalities that may never be located along the road as many cars were simply washed away down the hillside and may be under literally thousands of tonnes of soil. The Rio Sarapaqui ran like molasses for 24 hrs full of mud and tree debris and there are dead fish everywhere. The 2 major businesses in the area, La Paz and the El Angel jelly/jam factory are close to totally destroyed, and over 3000 people are without habitable homes.
The 3 yr old dam and hydro electric plant at Cariblanco was damaged - the dam has been checked and is in good shape, but the turbine hall was flooded by a tidal wave of mud and debris, and many of the super towers are down throughout the region.
We have intermitant power, many thousands of people have none, and no water. We are considering ourselves very lucky as I drove that road on Wednesday and was due to drive it less than an hour after the quake hit.
6.2 may not seem much in Guanacaste, but if you are right on the epicenter it destroys everything.
This is a huge human and ecological disaster and I truly hope all of the members of this website get their credit cards out and make a sizable donation to the red cross (Cruz Rojo Costaricences http://CruzRoja.or.cr) online.
One day, if you live in Costa Rica (or Calif), it could be your area that is smushed into oblivion and you will be grateful for all that the emergency services do for you then. Pay it forward as the American saying goes.
(THANX for passing this on Margie!)
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FOOTAGE/ARTICLES: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2009bpba.php - The technical “official” USGS site/report
http://tinyurl.com/ovsicoripics - download 3 sets of before & after pictures
http://ticotimes.net/photoreports/photos.cfm?paid=66#1
http://pcero.cr.gs
http://blog.therealcostarica.com/2009/01/14/the-power-of-the-earthquake
http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=MGrRZ10eVSA&feature=related
http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=v58TvIcXeKU&feature=related
http://YouTube.com/watch?v=cJ6ARtLzZjA - initial reports
http://news.aol.com/article/costa-rica-quake-death-toll-rises/299026 - TONS of pictures/details.
http://YouTube.com/watch?v=kt755LItHb4&feature=related
http://InsideCostaRica.com/dailynews/2009/january/11/nac01.htm
http://YouTube.com/watch?v=xRXXw6EjdyU&feature=related
http://YouTube.com/watch?v=zatOYzOJF1s&feature=related - aeral shots
http://YouTube.com/watch?v=gC8lcbjav8c&feature=related
http://AMCostaRica.com
Here’s a FB group you can join to find out how you can help/for more info/pictures:
Terremoto Costa Rica: ayuda a víctimas
(to see pictures so you can see for yourself the need). http://FaceBook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=43715883340&ref=nf
This is the BEST SITE I've found in English saying what one can do to help the people of Costa Rica effected by the recent earthquake. Supplies are REALLY NEEDED, especially because a warehouse holding over 5,000 emergency food rations burned down in a fire.
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HOW YOU CAN HELP THE PEOPLE EFFECTED BY THE EARTHQUAKE IN COSTA RICA
HOW/WHERE YOU CAN HELP (with $$) - From the U.S.
WIRE $ TO THE RED CROSS / CRUZ ROJA http://CruzRoja.or.cr
(you do pay about $35-$50 to do an International Wire transfer)
Account #: 68666-7
Account name: Cruz Roja Costarricense
Bank: Banco Nacional de Costa Rica
Bank address.:Avenidas 1 y 3, Calle 4, San José, Costa Rica.
SWIFT: BNCRCRSJ
Cédula: 4000000019600
WIRING: Beneficiary Bank Name: Banco de Costa, Rica,
SWIFT: BNCRCRSJ, San José, Costa Rica
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In the States & want to get $ down to Costa Rica to help the people effected by the Earthquake?
I'll be happy to collect/forward to the Cruz Roja/Red Cross for anyone with a Paypal account (minus the fee they charge me – send it to the attention of CostaRicaEarthquakeHelp@gmail.com), Bank of America (just minus any atm withdrawal fees) or USAA (no fees charged).
http://SarongGoddess.com/gallery/7068831_HFDjM
If you're already on http://Paypal.com send it to CostaRicaEarthquakeHelp@gmail.com E-me for the bank info.
Contact me if you have any questions - SarongGoddess@gmail.com / 8-378-6679 / from the U.S. 1-619-819-2726
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HOW/WHERE YOU CAN HELP WITH MONEY - WITHIN Costa Rica
*************Banco Costa Rica / BCR*************!!!!!!!!!!
Duplicates your donation up to 250 million colones (until January 23)
Account 001-250-0
SNIPE/número de Cuenta Cliente: 15201001000025008
Bank's identification number, or Cedula Institución Autónoma: 4-000-000019
Customers can also donate online by logging on to http://BancoBCR.com, and by phoning (+506) 2258-9191. For more information on BCR donations, contact Kattia Morales (+506) 2287-9088 or (+506) 8388-0403.
BAC San José:
Account 908524192 (probably a colon account)
SINPE: 10200009085241925
SWIFT: BNCRCRSJ (if wiring)
Under: Donaciones emergencias Poas-Alajuela
Banco Nacional - BNCR:
Colones #100 01 000 043517-2
Dollars #100 02 000 616147-5
Identify your deposit as “Donativo”.
Donations can also be made quickly and easily by text message from any Costa Rican cell phone within the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) network. By texting the word DONAR to one of the following numbers, you will automatically be charged the corresponding donation on your next bill: 1423=1,000 (about $1.80), 2423=¢2,000 ($3.60), 5423=¢5,000 ($9), and 9423=¢9,000 ($16.35).
Banco Popular
Account: 161-010084-1000911-4 (probably a colon account)
under “Comisión Nacional de Emergencias”
The Cámara Costarricense-Norteamericana de Comercio (Amcham) is receiving funds at Banco Nacional – BNCR:
Account # - colones: 100-01-00-043517-2
Dollars: 100-02-000-616147-5
(most of these are from http://FaceBook.com/group.php?gid=72236651256)
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WHAT’S NEEDED:
Camping Tents (4-6 people)
Tarps & rope to make tents
Sleeping Bags
Coats / Jackets
Rain Coats/Ponchos/Gear
Heavy Boots
Blankets
Pillows
Sleeping Bags
Gas cookers/ cooking pots
Plastic ware - knives / forks / spoons, etc
Air mattresses, mattresses, foam mattresses
Personal hygiene items (ESPECIALLY sanitary napkins [no plugs since most gals don't use them here it seems]), shampoo, soap
Flashlights WITH batteries
Butaine Lighters (MUCH better than match sticks because of the moisture from the rain)
CANDLES (tea candles are the BEST!! PriceSmart has 100 for about $6)
NEW Underwear
Big Plastic tubs (to wash things)
Food for cattle, pigs, chickens, dogs, cats, goats, etc.
Rags (for the animals or for cleaning)
FOOD/STAPLES
Rice, beans, pasta
Coffee, salt, sugar
Tetrabrik Milk
Water - 5 gallons bottles & individual ones
Canned Tuna / Beans (easy open sealed)
Dehydrated &/or Boxed Milk
(many of these are from http://FaceBook.com/group.php?gid=72236651256)
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OTHER GROUPS ARE SEEKING:
ANIMALS
AHPPA - Refugio de Animales-Heredia is leaving Tues. to rescue animals left behind in the earthquake, and provide food and medicines for them. One of our members got hold of a helicopter who will bring us to the zones where help is needed.
Our board member Marilu found someone who will also fly us to the disaster area this Wednesday morning. Colonel Oldemar Madrigal will deliver us to the San Miguel de Sarapiqui area where we will be met by a rescue team. Our mission will be to locate, feed, treat and return every animal that is lost. Some people had to leave their animal behind, AHPPA will rescue these animals and we will do everything possible to reunite them with their owner again!
You can help by delivering pet food to the AHPPA (if you live in Costa Rica) or you can help by sending us a donation by PayPal. Please visit our website at http://AnimalesCostaRica.com to make a donation by credit card or send us a check to Aptdo 73-3000, San Rafael de Heredia, COSTA RICA. No donation is too small! THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP,WE CANNOT DO THIS ALONE!!!!!!! animalscostarica@aol.com / spaycostarica@yahoo.com
SASY (Stop Animal Suffering Yes) is looking for the following items:
Food for dogs, adults and puppies
Food for cats
Leads
harnesses
Collars
Bowls
Dog/cat blanket
Flea collars for the pets that have been abandoned due to the earthquake. I can be reached at: 2-282-6843 or Rocky1.steve@gmail.com
Karin - the director of Animales de Asis in Heredia has told all organizations she will take ALL the animals into her shelter & she'll even send trucks to pick them up!!! Her shelter is a NO-kill shelter. She does pet adoptions in Sabana Park in San Jose on Sundays from 9am-noon (2-267-6011 / 2-267-6012 / 8-382-5163 / http://AnimalesDeAsis.com / adopciones@AnimalesDeAsis.com / consci@racsa.co.cr). Donations can go to them at http://AnimalesDeAsis.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=31
National Association for the Protection of Animals (ANPA) is also collecting donations for animals displaced by the disaster, and can be reached at (+506) 2-255-3757 and 2-255-7722.
OTHER GROUPS
FEB. 2 - LITTLE THEATRE GROUP - The Little Theatre Group invites everyone to come to the upcoming monthly meeting at 7 p.m., on Monday, February 2 and to bring items such as bottled water, dried beans, rice, and disposable diapers, etc. (and full pockets!) to help people effected by the earthquake. Held in the Laurence Olivier Theatre, on Ave. 2 and Calle 28, the evening includes a preview of Calendar Girls and auditions for Glengarry Glen Ross. There are two parking lots: one is 25 m. east, the other is 75 m. west, both are across the street from the theater. Please help the LTG help others in this terrible hour of need (8-355-1623 / http://LittleTheatreGroup.org)
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WHERE YOU CAN DROP OFF DONATIONS:
Cruz Roja (Red Cross) Offices all over Costa Rica. 2-542-5000 (operations) or 2-528-0000 (administration), and the National Emergency Commission's call center is 2-210-2725, 2-210-2723, 2-210-2763 and 2-210-2764
The House of Self Empowerment/Fountains Guesthouse – Escazu (ON Calle Vieja just East of Calle Country Club [call 8-378-6679 for directions or CostaRicaEarthquakeHelp@gmail.com]) - we've been working with the Escazu-Centro Cruz Roja who has already come to my home (a Donation Drop Off Point for various charities) to pick up 7 HUGE bags of coats/jackets/sweaters & a bunch of other thing & they finally came today with 2 ambulances to pick up another HUGE 30 bags (thanx to Shada Ropa Americana in Santa Ana for donating them & EXTRA BIG THANX to Carol Weems & Sharon Van Den Bergfor for sorting ALL of them into categories).
If you have any things you’d like to donate, you’re welcome to bring them over!!
We’re doing this under the group I've started – GRACIAS COSTA RICA - encouraging people visiting or blessed enough to live in Costa Rica to give back to the people/land of this AWESOME country!! http://GraciasCostaRica.com)
San Gildar Hotel, San Rafael de Escazú (2 blocks from Vicki’s place so call & stop in!!). (Escazú Rotary Club is seeking supplies including sleeping bags, milk, non-perishable food, candles and personal hygiene items (2-289-8843)
President's House: nonperishable food.
Defensoria: Main office in Barrio Mexico, San Jose, opened 24 hours.
Scouts: Until next Sunday at Heredia’s park. 10,000 members will collect help around the country. They will be identified with their uniforms.
ANDE: Heredia, Alajuela & San Jose regional offices.
Megasuper and Gollo will receive donations.
Claretiano High School
San Jose Parque Central organized by Reserva Nacional de Bomberos (National Firefighters Reserve).
The Ombudswoman's Office (2248-2374)
Christian Charity Organization Asociación Obras del Espíritu Santo (2286-5252)
Costa Rican Red Cross (2542-5000)
National Emergency Commission (2210-2828)
The Costa-Rica American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) is receiving donations at its offices 300 meters north of ICE in Sabana Norte, and to its accounts with the Banco Nacional de Costa Rica. Donations in colones can be sent to #100 01 000 043517-2, dollars to #100 02 000 616147-5. For more information, contact AMCHAM's offices at (+506) 2220-2800.
The Red Cross has also designated Confecciones Borkar, S.A., the Alajuela-based business of AMCHAM President Michael Borg, as a donation site, located 800 meters west of the Catholic Church in San Poás. They can be reached at (+506) 2448-5575.
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CONTACT:
Vicki Skinner at info@CostaRicaResourceGuide.com (what I’m on most) or CostaRicaEarthquakeHelp@gmail.com
Within Costa Rica: 8-378-6679
From the U.S.: 1-941-312-7569-US #
Skype: VallartaVicki
Read MoreCOSTA RICA EARTHQUAKE - JANUARY 8, '09 - INFORMATION & HOW YOU CAN HELP! edit
.
TO FAMILY & FRIENDS THAT HAVE BEEN EMAILING/CALLING ASKING ABOUT HOW WE ARE FROM THE 6.1 EARTHQUAKE THAT HIT COSTA RICA JAN. 8, '09:
I’m creating this VERY detailed site so ya’ll know we’re ok but also so you can understand via pictures/videos/info how tragic this 6.1 earthquake was to many & MOST IMPORTANTLY, in hopes that you will help out in WHATEVER way you can!!!
If you live in the U.S. & would like to donate money, I have created an option via Bank of America or Paypal- see below.
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Since it's inevitable that we WILL be having more earthquakes in Costa Rica, I’ve organized an
EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS CLASS
with Emergency Response Expert & employee of Costa Rica's Comision Nacional de Emergencias - John Laurent
WHEN: Sat. Feb. 7 - 9-11am-Spanish. 11am-1pm-English
WHERE: The House of Self Empowerment in Escazu http://HouseOfSelfEmpowerment.com).
For more info/to reserve/for directions, call 8-378-6679 or e- me at HouseOfSelfEmpowerment@gmail.com.
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In the meantime - I've started compiling a list of things you can do to be better prepared for the next earthquake.
THINGS TO HAVE TO HELP BE A BIT MORE PREPARED FOR FUTURE EARTHQUAKES!
For more info go to: . . . http://SarongGoddess.com/gallery/7094411_akrDT
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A LITTLE DETAILS ON WHAT HAPPENED:
On JANUARY 8, '09 Costa Rica was hit by a pretty strong 6.1 Earthquake.
Thank Goddess the epicenter wasn’t in a more developed area as there could have been seriously more damage & loss of life. As it was, the epicenter was in a very rural location north of Poas Volcano.
Last I heard, the casualties were 23 dead & 8 people still missing though, sadly, quite likely, many of them could have been buried under tons of dirt from the landslides that seemed to create the most damage (due in part to lots of recent rains & the hilliness of the area). It seems like in some areas the ground just opened up taking whatever was in it's way (pictures below).
Closer to us, Alajuela (near the airport) had some damage. The area near some of Costa Rica’s major attractions – La Paz Waterfalls Park was SERIOUSLY damaged (we still haven’t seen an assessment but from what I’ve gathered, the road near the waterfall anyone can drive through was destroyed. I heard the road between the Poas Volcano & La Paz had serious damage but I believe the road many of you have traveled on from our end to Poas is ok & it’s sounding like the Poas Volcano has re-opened. Practically a whole village was eaten alive by a the ground literally opening up.
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BIG TIME blessings/heart-to-heart connections to ALL those that have been effected by this disaster & ease to the Spirits that have made their transition who I send this HOPI PRAYER of The Soul's Graduation:
DO NOT STAND AT MY GRAVE & WEEP
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there.
I do not sleep
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glints on snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn rain
When you awaken in the mornings hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there. I did not die.
My Spirit is still alive…
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MY EXPERIENCE:
First off, we’re ok on the SouthWest end of the Central Valley (Escazu – 7 minutes West of San Jose)!!
Having lived in California for over 40 years, I’ve been through stronger than 6.1 but this one different because I've never been so close to the epicenter (about 20-ish miles). WOW what a difference that makes!! I have a renewed sense of respect for those living near an epicenter. Actually, when I was first living in Pozos, we had an earthquake one night – I think it was around 2am. I was having a hard time sleeping when I finally went to bed & tossed & turned (I actually can feel/hear things that dogs can hear & it wasn’t the first time I “felt” an earthquake coming on) & then it sounded like what I had heard described many times before – like a train coming at you. It stopped right at my place & it was a bit scarry. Come to find out – it was just I believe about a 3.4 but it was epicentered about 10 miles from us.
So back to this earthquake. I equate part of it perhaps to the fact I was in the kitchen doing dishes (those that know me KNOW that’s a task warranting some shaking up!!). I ran back to see if my guests were ok – especially Patricia & 2-y.o. son Noe who we thought were in the Master Suite (my guest house is 6,000 sq’). I called & called & didn’t hear anything & we were worried but Carolina (my FAB massage therapist) yelled out that they were walking down the driveway & ok though VERY shakin’ watching the HUGE trees that surrounding them move BIG TIME!!! Luckily we only had a couple glasses break & a few things fall but my main artwork consists of about 20 sarongs - quite earthquake proof but not everyone was as fortunate.
I’ve never experienced so many aftershocks as this one & some pretty strong ones at that (kinda keeps ya on edge!) (there's a good article on the aftershocks at: http://insidecostarica.com/dailynews/2009/january/16/nac01.htm)
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REPORT FROM SOMEONE NEAR THE EPICENTER:
We live below San Miguel and felt the quake and many of the aftershocks (and are still feeling them).
There is 4wd access past our farm into Cariblanco and heavy equipment, quad bikes and 4 x 4 ambulances have been using it since the quake.
Although the area at the epicenter is largely rural fruit and veg productions along the Vara Blanca road (the old highway to Sarapaqui that was used before the building of the Zurchi pista to Limon) there are some very large tourist attractions, in particular the $200 / night Peace Lodge and the La Paz waterfall gardens. As of tonight, it is believed that all surviving tourists and locals are out of the area, indeed Cariblanco was evacuated amid fears of further landslides.
The only access to La Paz has been through helicopter rescue - many foreigners were charged $500 by private helicopters to be evacuated which was pretty disgusting - but the current death toll (18, with 64 missing) is only the start. 275 people (tourists and employees) hiked out of La Paz for 5 hrs on Friday morning, many giving first hand reports of watching landslides wipe out the restaurant where people were having lunch, and indeed some watched their family members being buried alive.
Other reports include 29 tourists looking at the lowest waterfall along the road side and not being accounted for. Their bus fell 50 m in a landslide and amazingly the driver survived. There is always 4 or 5 stands at the waterfall selling fruit and trinkets and all these people perished too along with several truck drivers about to cross the bridge heading north. Of the 64 missing currently reported to the red cross only 4 are foreigners (all from the UK) and no other tourists are as yet considered missing.
OIJ gained access to the La Paz car park today by helicopter and have started the process of recording all car number plates and tracing owners and rental agencies in order to account for missing people.
There will be additional fatalities that may never be located along the road as many cars were simply washed away down the hillside and may be under literally thousands of tonnes of soil. The Rio Sarapaqui ran like molasses for 24 hrs full of mud and tree debris and there are dead fish everywhere. The 2 major businesses in the area, La Paz and the El Angel jelly/jam factory are close to totally destroyed, and over 3000 people are without habitable homes.
The 3 yr old dam and hydro electric plant at Cariblanco was damaged - the dam has been checked and is in good shape, but the turbine hall was flooded by a tidal wave of mud and debris, and many of the super towers are down throughout the region.
We have intermitant power, many thousands of people have none, and no water. We are considering ourselves very lucky as I drove that road on Wednesday and was due to drive it less than an hour after the quake hit.
6.2 may not seem much in Guanacaste, but if you are right on the epicenter it destroys everything.
This is a huge human and ecological disaster and I truly hope all of the members of this website get their credit cards out and make a sizable donation to the red cross (Cruz Rojo Costaricences http://CruzRoja.or.cr) online.
One day, if you live in Costa Rica (or Calif), it could be your area that is smushed into oblivion and you will be grateful for all that the emergency services do for you then. Pay it forward as the American saying goes.
(THANX for passing this on Margie!)
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FOOTAGE/ARTICLES: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2009bpba.php - The technical “official” USGS site/report
http://tinyurl.com/ovsicoripics - download 3 sets of before & after pictures
http://ticotimes.net/photoreports/photos.cfm?paid=66#1
http://pcero.cr.gs
http://blog.therealcostarica.com/2009/01/14/the-power-of-the-earthquake
http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=MGrRZ10eVSA&feature=related
http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=v58TvIcXeKU&feature=related
http://YouTube.com/watch?v=cJ6ARtLzZjA - initial reports
http://news.aol.com/article/costa-rica-quake-death-toll-rises/299026 - TONS of pictures/details.
http://YouTube.com/watch?v=kt755LItHb4&feature=related
http://InsideCostaRica.com/dailynews/2009/january/11/nac01.htm
http://YouTube.com/watch?v=xRXXw6EjdyU&feature=related
http://YouTube.com/watch?v=zatOYzOJF1s&feature=related - aeral shots
http://YouTube.com/watch?v=gC8lcbjav8c&feature=related
http://AMCostaRica.com
Here’s a FB group you can join to find out how you can help/for more info/pictures:
Terremoto Costa Rica: ayuda a víctimas
(to see pictures so you can see for yourself the need). http://FaceBook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=43715883340&ref=nf
This is the BEST SITE I've found in English saying what one can do to help the people of Costa Rica effected by the recent earthquake. Supplies are REALLY NEEDED, especially because a warehouse holding over 5,000 emergency food rations burned down in a fire.
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HOW YOU CAN HELP THE PEOPLE EFFECTED BY THE EARTHQUAKE IN COSTA RICA
HOW/WHERE YOU CAN HELP (with $$) - From the U.S.
WIRE $ TO THE RED CROSS / CRUZ ROJA http://CruzRoja.or.cr
(you do pay about $35-$50 to do an International Wire transfer)
Account #: 68666-7
Account name: Cruz Roja Costarricense
Bank: Banco Nacional de Costa Rica
Bank address.:Avenidas 1 y 3, Calle 4, San José, Costa Rica.
SWIFT: BNCRCRSJ
Cédula: 4000000019600
WIRING: Beneficiary Bank Name: Banco de Costa, Rica,
SWIFT: BNCRCRSJ, San José, Costa Rica
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In the States & want to get $ down to Costa Rica to help the people effected by the Earthquake?
I'll be happy to collect/forward to the Cruz Roja/Red Cross for anyone with a Paypal account (minus the fee they charge me – send it to the attention of CostaRicaEarthquakeHelp@gmail.com), Bank of America (just minus any atm withdrawal fees) or USAA (no fees charged).
http://SarongGoddess.com/gallery/7068831_HFDjM
If you're already on http://Paypal.com send it to CostaRicaEarthquakeHelp@gmail.com E-me for the bank info.
Contact me if you have any questions - SarongGoddess@gmail.com / 8-378-6679 / from the U.S. 1-619-819-2726
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HOW/WHERE YOU CAN HELP WITH MONEY - WITHIN Costa Rica
*************Banco Costa Rica / BCR*************!!!!!!!!!!
Duplicates your donation up to 250 million colones (until January 23)
Account 001-250-0
SNIPE/número de Cuenta Cliente: 15201001000025008
Bank's identification number, or Cedula Institución Autónoma: 4-000-000019
Customers can also donate online by logging on to http://BancoBCR.com, and by phoning (+506) 2258-9191. For more information on BCR donations, contact Kattia Morales (+506) 2287-9088 or (+506) 8388-0403.
BAC San José:
Account 908524192 (probably a colon account)
SINPE: 10200009085241925
SWIFT: BNCRCRSJ (if wiring)
Under: Donaciones emergencias Poas-Alajuela
Banco Nacional - BNCR:
Colones #100 01 000 043517-2
Dollars #100 02 000 616147-5
Identify your deposit as “Donativo”.
Donations can also be made quickly and easily by text message from any Costa Rican cell phone within the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) network. By texting the word DONAR to one of the following numbers, you will automatically be charged the corresponding donation on your next bill: 1423=1,000 (about $1.80), 2423=¢2,000 ($3.60), 5423=¢5,000 ($9), and 9423=¢9,000 ($16.35).
Banco Popular
Account: 161-010084-1000911-4 (probably a colon account)
under “Comisión Nacional de Emergencias”
The Cámara Costarricense-Norteamericana de Comercio (Amcham) is receiving funds at Banco Nacional – BNCR:
Account # - colones: 100-01-00-043517-2
Dollars: 100-02-000-616147-5
(most of these are from http://FaceBook.com/group.php?gid=72236651256)
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WHAT’S NEEDED:
Camping Tents (4-6 people)
Tarps & rope to make tents
Sleeping Bags
Coats / Jackets
Rain Coats/Ponchos/Gear
Heavy Boots
Blankets
Pillows
Sleeping Bags
Gas cookers/ cooking pots
Plastic ware - knives / forks / spoons, etc
Air mattresses, mattresses, foam mattresses
Personal hygiene items (ESPECIALLY sanitary napkins [no plugs since most gals don't use them here it seems]), shampoo, soap
Flashlights WITH batteries
Butaine Lighters (MUCH better than match sticks because of the moisture from the rain)
CANDLES (tea candles are the BEST!! PriceSmart has 100 for about $6)
NEW Underwear
Big Plastic tubs (to wash things)
Food for cattle, pigs, chickens, dogs, cats, goats, etc.
Rags (for the animals or for cleaning)
FOOD/STAPLES
Rice, beans, pasta
Coffee, salt, sugar
Tetrabrik Milk
Water - 5 gallons bottles & individual ones
Canned Tuna / Beans (easy open sealed)
Dehydrated &/or Boxed Milk
(many of these are from http://FaceBook.com/group.php?gid=72236651256)
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OTHER GROUPS ARE SEEKING:
ANIMALS
AHPPA - Refugio de Animales-Heredia is leaving Tues. to rescue animals left behind in the earthquake, and provide food and medicines for them. One of our members got hold of a helicopter who will bring us to the zones where help is needed.
Our board member Marilu found someone who will also fly us to the disaster area this Wednesday morning. Colonel Oldemar Madrigal will deliver us to the San Miguel de Sarapiqui area where we will be met by a rescue team. Our mission will be to locate, feed, treat and return every animal that is lost. Some people had to leave their animal behind, AHPPA will rescue these animals and we will do everything possible to reunite them with their owner again!
You can help by delivering pet food to the AHPPA (if you live in Costa Rica) or you can help by sending us a donation by PayPal. Please visit our website at http://AnimalesCostaRica.com to make a donation by credit card or send us a check to Aptdo 73-3000, San Rafael de Heredia, COSTA RICA. No donation is too small! THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP,WE CANNOT DO THIS ALONE!!!!!!! animalscostarica@aol.com / spaycostarica@yahoo.com
SASY (Stop Animal Suffering Yes) is looking for the following items:
Food for dogs, adults and puppies
Food for cats
Leads
harnesses
Collars
Bowls
Dog/cat blanket
Flea collars for the pets that have been abandoned due to the earthquake. I can be reached at: 2-282-6843 or Rocky1.steve@gmail.com
Karin - the director of Animales de Asis in Heredia has told all organizations she will take ALL the animals into her shelter & she'll even send trucks to pick them up!!! Her shelter is a NO-kill shelter. She does pet adoptions in Sabana Park in San Jose on Sundays from 9am-noon (2-267-6011 / 2-267-6012 / 8-382-5163 / http://AnimalesDeAsis.com / adopciones@AnimalesDeAsis.com / consci@racsa.co.cr). Donations can go to them at http://AnimalesDeAsis.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=31
National Association for the Protection of Animals (ANPA) is also collecting donations for animals displaced by the disaster, and can be reached at (+506) 2-255-3757 and 2-255-7722.
OTHER GROUPS
FEB. 2 - LITTLE THEATRE GROUP - The Little Theatre Group invites everyone to come to the upcoming monthly meeting at 7 p.m., on Monday, February 2 and to bring items such as bottled water, dried beans, rice, and disposable diapers, etc. (and full pockets!) to help people effected by the earthquake. Held in the Laurence Olivier Theatre, on Ave. 2 and Calle 28, the evening includes a preview of Calendar Girls and auditions for Glengarry Glen Ross. There are two parking lots: one is 25 m. east, the other is 75 m. west, both are across the street from the theater. Please help the LTG help others in this terrible hour of need (8-355-1623 / http://LittleTheatreGroup.org)
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WHERE YOU CAN DROP OFF DONATIONS:
Cruz Roja (Red Cross) Offices all over Costa Rica. 2-542-5000 (operations) or 2-528-0000 (administration), and the National Emergency Commission's call center is 2-210-2725, 2-210-2723, 2-210-2763 and 2-210-2764
The House of Self Empowerment/Fountains Guesthouse – Escazu (ON Calle Vieja just East of Calle Country Club [call 8-378-6679 for directions or CostaRicaEarthquakeHelp@gmail.com]) - we've been working with the Escazu-Centro Cruz Roja who has already come to my home (a Donation Drop Off Point for various charities) to pick up 7 HUGE bags of coats/jackets/sweaters & a bunch of other thing & they finally came today with 2 ambulances to pick up another HUGE 30 bags (thanx to Shada Ropa Americana in Santa Ana for donating them & EXTRA BIG THANX to Carol Weems & Sharon Van Den Bergfor for sorting ALL of them into categories).
If you have any things you’d like to donate, you’re welcome to bring them over!!
We’re doing this under the group I've started – GRACIAS COSTA RICA - encouraging people visiting or blessed enough to live in Costa Rica to give back to the people/land of this AWESOME country!! http://GraciasCostaRica.com)
San Gildar Hotel, San Rafael de Escazú (2 blocks from Vicki’s place so call & stop in!!). (Escazú Rotary Club is seeking supplies including sleeping bags, milk, non-perishable food, candles and personal hygiene items (2-289-8843)
President's House: nonperishable food.
Defensoria: Main office in Barrio Mexico, San Jose, opened 24 hours.
Scouts: Until next Sunday at Heredia’s park. 10,000 members will collect help around the country. They will be identified with their uniforms.
ANDE: Heredia, Alajuela & San Jose regional offices.
Megasuper and Gollo will receive donations.
Claretiano High School
San Jose Parque Central organized by Reserva Nacional de Bomberos (National Firefighters Reserve).
The Ombudswoman's Office (2248-2374)
Christian Charity Organization Asociación Obras del Espíritu Santo (2286-5252)
Costa Rican Red Cross (2542-5000)
National Emergency Commission (2210-2828)
The Costa-Rica American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) is receiving donations at its offices 300 meters north of ICE in Sabana Norte, and to its accounts with the Banco Nacional de Costa Rica. Donations in colones can be sent to #100 01 000 043517-2, dollars to #100 02 000 616147-5. For more information, contact AMCHAM's offices at (+506) 2220-2800.
The Red Cross has also designated Confecciones Borkar, S.A., the Alajuela-based business of AMCHAM President Michael Borg, as a donation site, located 800 meters west of the Catholic Church in San Poás. They can be reached at (+506) 2448-5575.
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CONTACT:
Vicki Skinner at info@CostaRicaResourceGuide.com (what I’m on most) or CostaRicaEarthquakeHelp@gmail.com
Within Costa Rica: 8-378-6679
From the U.S.: 1-941-312-7569-US #
Skype: VallartaVicki
