Jerusalem area: Quake hit at around 8
Photo: JNF
Moderate earthquake felt across Israel
Many residents in plains and Jerusalem area report feeling light earthquake at eight in the morning. No injuries or damage have been reported. Seismology Institute: Quake was moderate
A light earthquake has been felt across Jerusalem and the plains area at around eight in the morning, for a number of seconds. There were no reports of damage or injuries.
The epicenter of the quake was the Jordan Valley. The quake measured 4.4 on the Richter scale, a moderate sized quake.
A number of months ago a light earthquake, 3.2 on the Richter scale, was measured in the Jordan Valley.
A year ago exactly on the eve of the Hebrew new year, a moderate earthquake, measuring 4.0 on the Richter Scale, was felt across Israel. The epicenter of the quake was 30 kilometers north of Dead Sea, in the Jordan Valley.
Dr. Yoav Serana, Chairman of the Engineers Union, then told Ynet that the quake was "wonderful for two reasons: First, every earthquake releases energy. If there are small earthquakes frequently, the chances of a large one decrease. If no damage is caused in minor quakes, we are better off. The energy is focused in the ground, and the larger the quakes, the more energy is released."
Serana added that "the country is simply not ready for a large quake. There are all kinds of program but nothing has been done. Buildings built after 1995 are ready for earthquakes because the standard has been changed, and in a large earthquake they will be damaged, but they will not topple. But most of the buildings were built before then, and they would not stand up to a big earthquake. The State must invest money in protecting hospitals and public buildings needed during an emergency."
