Shocking to most of the residents in Qatar yesterday was the sensation, yet again in less than a week, of earthquake tremors from a second Iranian quake, this one measuring nearly 8 point on the Richter scale. While most people missed the first one, the second was noted by people in almost all neighborhoods across the city of Doha. Coming as it did on the heels of the bombs planted at the end of the Boston Marathon, everyone was literally shaken.
“The world is changing,” people kept saying all day. “Qatar is changing.” Will we still be the sleepy place everyone thinks of as ultra safe, laughing at presenters who suggest earthquake preparedness or other hazards?
One thing is certain, people rushing out of buildings like the Tornado tower, will have to think twice about what to do next if there is an emergency. Glass falling all over the area known as West Bay is likely in any real quake or other incident in that neighborhood.
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Reader Comments
I don’t know if we’re having more earthquakes, or if communication is so good that we hear more of them. From talking with those who have been in earthquakes, they are frightening in a surreal sort of way. You never forget them.
Yes, I can’t imagine what the full blown experience would be like! I think also the communication overall on all tragedies makes us hyper aware of disasters in general in a way we wouldn’t have been before. I’m not sure if that’s good or bad; guess there are both sides.