Preparing for the Worst…

Park office in American Samoa after the tsunami of Sept. 2009. Photo by Melanie Brown

The news coming out of Haiti this week is a grim reminder of the immense power of an active Earth. Some have estimated that tens-of-thousands of people have died due to the large 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck the impoverished island nation. This tragic event serves as a sober reminder of the tenuous situation that island communities experience during and after a major catastrophe.  Volcanic eruptions, major earthquakes, devastating tsunamis and powerful hurricanes are a very real threat to life and property in the Pacific islands of the United States.

Just a few months ago, on September 29, American Samoa was devastated by several large tsunamis generated by a powerful earthquake hundreds of miles away. Two weeks prior, Saipan barely missed being hit by a large typhoon. In 2006, the Island of Hawaii was struck by a strong 6.7 magnitude quake that did severe damage to many structures, including the two temples, John Young Homestead and new visitor center at Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site. And of course whole communities have been completely wiped off the map by the frequent eruptions of the Kilauea, Mauna Loa and Hualalai volcanoes. Although communities everywhere are prone to natural disasters of one type or another, the fact that these islands are so isolated from possible sources of help makes it all the more important for island residents to prepare ahead of time.

Workers repairing Mailekini Heiau from 6.7 magnitude earthquake of 2006.

As with individuals and families, national parks are continuously reevaluating and updating safety plans for potential disasters. Historic structures, priceless cultural resources and rare natural resources might be forever lost if these parks fail to make the proper preparations for such events. Often times when natural disasters do strike, teams of National Park Service employees, volunteers, skilled laborers and subject-matter experts come together to help stabilize, repair and restore these fragile treasures. Although we cannot prevent disasters from striking these isolated islands, all of us, whether individuals or national parks, are wise in preparing ahead of time for the inevitable.