Louisa continues to assess damages from earthquake

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Louisa County Earthquake

Talking Points, August 30, 2011

7:30 p.m.

Louisa County recognizes and thanks the Office of Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell, United States Congressman Eric Cantor, United States Senator Mark Warner, Virginia State Senator Edd Houck, and Virginia House of Delegates Member Bill Janis for their immediate personal response and assistance.

Damage Assessment

• Preliminary damage assessments began last week in Louisa County.  State officials have joined with local teams in an effort to estimate the extent of damage caused by Tuesday’s earthquake. For all assessment completed through Friday, estimates are as follows:
  • $57.5 million in damages to public school structures
  • $11.5 million in damages to residential structures
  • $400,000 in damages to religious structures
  • $400,000 in damages to commercial structures
  • $500,000 in damages to government structures (not including public schools)
• The damage to Louisa County Public Schools and Louisa County government structures  are covered by insurance and local officials are working with insurance adjustors to determine coverage limits and direct costs.  The majority of residential structures did not have earthquake insurance.  Officials expect these figures to change as damage assessment teams continue to traverse the county.

Timeline of Events

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

• At 1:51 p.m. a magnitude 5.8 earthquake stuck Louisa County.
  • According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the epicenter of the quake was located near Cuckoo. With a magnitude of 5.8, this is the largest Virginia earthquake in historic times. Seventeen aftershocks have been recorded by the USGS and the area is currently being monitored by geophysicists from several leading science institutions.
  • All Louisa County government buildings and public schools were immediately evacuated
  • The Louisa County Emergency Operations Center was activated after the building was deemed safe by building officials.
  • Representatives from VDOT, VDEM and VSP were immediately mobilized and reported to the EOC.
  • Louisa County declared a local state of emergency at 2:30 p.m.
  • An emergency shelter was opened at Moss Nuckols Elementary School for several hours
  • Louisa County Public Schools announced schools would be closed through Labor Day

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

• Governor Robert McDonnell, Congressman Eric Cantor and House of Delegates Member Bill Janis toured the damage at the Louisa County High School and the Town of Mineral on Wednesday, August 24
• Louisa County Parks and Recreation opened a child care program to assist parents which schools remain closed
• Chairman Willie Gentry and County Administrator Robert Dubé participated in a conference call with Senator Mark Warner.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

• Senator Edd Houck visited and toured earthquake damage throughout Louisa County.
• Louisa County Public Schools donated milk and other perishable food times to the Louisa County Community Cupboard
• A line of severe thunderstorms passed across Louisa County, downing trees and causing temporary power outages.

Friday, August 26, 2011

• State official provided assistance with damage assessments but were pulled back from the task to prepare for and respond to Hurricane Irene.

• Louisa County Public Schools distributed back packs to students
• Region Ten Community Services Board established counseling centers for Louisa County residents needing assistance with stress and anxiety.
• Louisa County and the Fluvanna/Louisa Housing Foundation established an emergency fund to help uninsured or underinsured homeowners  pay for  house repairs because of earthquake damage.
• Louisa County Public Schools announced the new schedule for 2011-2012 school year and that schools will reopen September 12, 2011.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

• Louisa County began feeling the affects of Hurricane Irene
• Louisa County School Board held an emergency meeting
• An emergency shelter was opened at Moss Nuckols Elementary School

Sunday, August 28, 2011

• The emergency shelter at Moss Nuckols Elementary School closed

Monday, August 29, 2011

• State officials rejoined local damage assessment teams.

• Region Ten Community Services Board opened a counseling center for Louisa County residents needing assistance with stress and anxiety at its Louisa Office.
• Louisa County Board of Supervisors and Louisa County School Board held a joint meeting

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

• Damage assessments will be an ongoing effort.

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