Thursday, June 21, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Tours Cape Girardeau During State Earthquake Exercise, Observes Search and Rescue Operation
CAPE GIRARDEAU–Gov. Matt Blunt today met with first responders in Cape Girardeau and received a briefing from the fire department as they concluded an intense three-day simulated earthquake exercise. The governor was on hand to observe a simulated structure collapse and saw first hand the city's response efforts. Cape Girardeau would be one of the hardest hit areas if Missouri ever experienced a 7.7 magnitude earthquake on the New Madrid Fault Line.
"I commend the Department of Public Safety, SEMA, local and county emergency managers, law enforcement and first responders for participating in today's exercise," Blunt said. "A major earthquake centered in the New Madrid seismic zone would be one of the most serious natural hazard threats facing the state of Missouri and the nation. If a crisis of this magnitude were to occur the damages would be incomprehensible. It is essential that we work to test and improve our plans to protect Missourians in the event of an earthquake disaster."
State officials have spent the last three-days in a drill addressing response issues that would arise after an earthquake hit, such as setting up supply lines and assessing the stability of roadways and bridges. Each day focused on critical aspects of disaster, including communications, logistics and mass casualties.
In November 2005, Gov. Blunt called upon his newly appointed Director of Public Safety Mark James to review existing emergency response plans and to make suggestions for improvement. Mr. James discovered that the plans were inadequate and since then the Administration has updated the State's Emergency Operations Plan to include the creation of an Earthquake response plan, dedicated grant funds to help further interoperable communications, and increased the level of exercise training for local and state officials.
As governor, planning and preparation for various types of natural and man-made disasters has been a top priority. The Blunt Administration has been given high marks for disaster preparedness and response. Under the governor's direction, the state has persevered through eight major disasters last year.
The last major damaging earthquake, over magnitude 6.5, occurred Oct. 31, 1895, in Charleston, Mo. In 2006, there were four magnitude 4 earthquakes along the New Madrid Zone.