t necessary after a damaging earthquake are often equally vulnerable to earthquake damage, and are not as prepared as we might like to believe" (Kimball, 1988, p. 55). This is especially true if the earthquake is of a large magnitude and the damage is extensive throughout the city.
Many earthquake experts have referred to the possibility of a "seventy two hour delay" in waiting for professional help to arrive. Of course, the city starts responding to the emergency immediately following a major earthquake. Efforts are made right away to help injured people and to reopen communications lines. The gas and water companies are trained to respond immediately to this type of crisis, and the volunteers of the Red Cross make their best effort
...