Kalistan

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NEWSFLASH: Major Earthquake hits Bluegrass Valley
6 dead and heavy damage in Eveari as crews scramble to restore power
Eveari, Grand Duchy of Ananto
October 13, 5705


Eveari suffers significant damage as many buildings rendered unsafe for habitation

Newsflash: Eveari
In the Ancient Anantan Capital and home of the Royal Family, a major earthquake has struck, leaving six residents known to be dead, more than 1700 injured and another 387 missing. The earthquake, measuring 6.7 on the Richter Scale was centered 14 miles south of Eveari. Also heavily damaged was the NSP corps base in the Bluegrass and dozens of country homes outside of the city. Also severely damaged was the A1 and the High Speed line between Kaliburg and Eveari.

Elements of the Northern Army stationed at Bozo River and the Militia was activated in Everari to supplement city and county resources in the effort to search for those missing and to assist with security in the largely dark city. Meanwhile, NSP resources have been redirected to restoring power supply to the city, much of which is produced nearby at the KNP Generation facility, or in the Green Mountains. A major winter storm is predicted to hit within a week, the first of a fairly late season, and there are more and 15000 families are currently unable to return to their homes while another 850,000 who do not generate their own power are without heat in their homes.

"Our heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones in this devastating Earthquake," said Her Imperial Majesty in a short radio address that was broadcast over KRTVN, Radio Kaliburg, and shortwave. "We have directed our County Manager to use all resources available to him to first save as many lives as he may. We have begun coordinating with the hospitals in Eveari to triage serious and critical cases either to Kaliburg or to military facilities in Bozo River, and are flying helicopters in and out of Eveari on a regular rotation. We are also directing the NSP to prioritize electricity and sanitation infrastructure, and while we understand it may take some time, we would like the people of Eveari to know that this commands our full and undivided attention. Everari will come back and those who are able to do so should contact city and county government to ask how they may help. It is a national imperative that will be joined by all of Ananto and then Kalistan."

Roads to and from Eveari are severely damaged across the entire Bluegrass Valley, making it difficult to get in and out of the city

The worst loss of life and damage was in the southern end of the town, but no part of the city was completely spared. The quake even significantly damaged the ancient Ananto Estate's residence, and the entire property has been closed to the public while the structure is evaluated for its soundness and whether it may be repaired. Local meeting houses and public buildings have been opened to the public who need shelter, and food distribution points have been set up across the city for those unable to make it to a local food bank, many of which are closed in anticipation of loss of stock due to loss of electricity.

"We have ordered an 8pm curfew, effective immediately," said Baron Michael Kingston, who is Baron of Eveari Proper and the local County Manager. "This curfew is for the safety of our residents, for the security of their property, and to allow our search and rescue teams the opportunity to work without hindrance to try to find those who are missing and to clear out rubble and restore services. The curfew will last until it is no longer needed, and we expect all people to observe the curfew." He also added, "Please, whatever you do, remain safe: Do not try to travel out of the city by road: There have been a number of strong aftershocks since this morning, and we do not trust the roads to Kaliburg or Eveari. The Road to Dulnerstaad is still open, but we do not know for how long, and do not advise travel at this time. Just hunker down in place, or report to one of the local warming centers and when it is safe to return to your homes, we will pass those messages along."

Kaliburg is already flying seriously injured residents out of the city, and will begin sending relief supplies, medicine and portable generators to the city from Kaliburg and Dahriel by the end of the week. The Kalistani Dukes have also made it know that they will begin shipping relief supplies in to Kaliburg, where a collection point will be set up to trans-ship the materials by Helicopter to Eveari.

"To those who are not directly affected by this earthquake, please do not attempt to go to Eveari," said Her Imperial Majesty. "Cell phone service is down, but we are working to restore limited service and internet service to Eveari, and will maintain of the list of those who have lost their life on the Ministry of Health and Human Services website that you may check. If you do not see the name you are looking for there, assume they are fine for now, and we will do all we can to reunite you with your loved ones.

"Also, do not send things like clothing or stuffed animals for the kids," the Empress added. "We are looking to the Brethren to organize clothes drives for families who lost their homes, but those drives cannot start yet until we do a number of other very important things first. We have asked the Annual Meeting here in Kaliburg to send out a minute when the Eveari Brethren begin working to help families replace their lost possessions and they will identify the needs of families in Eveari. At this time, all of that stuff, which may be given out of the goodness of your hearts, will just clutter up our supply point and will not be able to be sent to Eveari anyway. If you feel called to do something, we just ask that you hold our Eveari families in the Light, and coordinate all efforts with your local Free City or Ducal offices."

Experts estimate it will be a couple weeks before power can be restored, and more than a month before significant rubble can be cleared. Rebuilding will not start before April, because this winter is expected to be very rainy. As Eveari hunkers down, Kaliburg will be busy setting up temporary shelters for displaced families, for when the roads are reopened, and the Empress has committed to assistance to get displaced families off the Island to the Mainland so they may make their way to other shelter, either in other cities or with their families or friends. That also remains in the future.

More to come

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