JAPAN'S QUAKE IS A REMINDER FOR THIS AREA

Those living along the New Madrid Fault in Southeast Missouri can develop real empathy toward earthquake victims in Japan. They watch the massive destruction with sadness and a little bit of apprehension, hoping they won't share a similar fate someday.

Last Monday's earthquake has been called the most violent to hit a densely populated area in Japan in more than 70 years. The death toll has topped 4,000, with another 727 still missing. More than 21,600 people were injured.

Any earthquake around the globe provides a timely reminder to prepare at home. It would be wise to check emergency survival kits, making sure to replace items with overdue expiration dates. Home emergency supplies should be adequate to last at least 72 hours and include such items as bottled water and food, first aid, blankets, essential medication, flashlights, battery-operated radio, sanitation and cooking supplies, and tools.

Missouri is taking steps to help the state prepare for earthquakes as well. On Thursday, the Senate confirmed 10 members of a new 15-member Seismic Safety Commission. The new commission, which is patterned after one in California, is laudable. With the New Madrid Fault, the state should take a proactive stance on preparation.

Southeast Missouri is no stranger to earthquakes. The New Madrid Fault is one of the most active, with 250 minor tremors each year. The last one of sufficient magnitude to be felt was Feb. 5, 1994, when a 4.2 quake jostled Lick Creek, Ill., about eight miles south of Carbondale. Damage was minimal.

The largest quake to hit the Midwest in the last 30 years was in 1968. It registered 5.5 on the Richter scale.

The new state commission's first meeting will be March 17 in New Madrid, the town named for the fault. The deputy director of the state's Emergency Management Agency called the fault a sleeping giant, since some scientists feel the fault is overdue for another jolt.

The New Madrid Fault erupted with thousands of quakes in 1811 and 1812, including three above 8.0. The quake that devastated Japan this week registered 7.2. The commission is charged with submitting a report to the governor and legislature by June with recommendations for new laws and safety preparations.

It was good to learn that area residents and Southeast Missouri State University students with Japanese relatives escaped injury in the terrible quake. In any disaster, it seems easy to pull together as one large family.

The Japanese disaster also provides a chilling perspective for quake preparedness efforts. Earthquakes are common in Japan, and the country considers itself well prepared. The quake shattered Japan's belief that sophisticated engineering would enable newer roads and bridges to withstand a major quake. The damage may top $20 billion. Sections of expressways collapsed in seconds as did modern quake-proof buildings. More than 30,400 homes and buildings crumbled.

Does that mean it is useless to prepare, that we new construction shouldn't be to earthquake standards? Of course not. But despite the best efforts, a severe earthquake here could be as devastating as the one in Japan.

Criticism in Japan continues to mount that authorities were unprepared for a disaster of this magnitude, despite their long experience with earthquakes. It reminds us that no one can ever fully prepare for the death and destruction that shook residents of Kobe, Japan. But the best effort must be made. With hope, faith and extensive preparation, Southeast Missouri too can survive a massive earthquake.

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