Earthquakes Rattle Trona, Causing Severe Damage, Leaving Many Residents Homeless

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Initial Damage Assessment Complete
(by San Bernardino Countu Tracie Martinez)

Trona, Ca. — San Bernardino County Fire Damage Assessment Team, with the assistance of County Building & Safety, and Code Enforcement, and CalOES, has completed its damage assessment of the communities of Trona, Argus, Red Mountain, and Windy Acres following the devastating earthquakes that shook the area on July 4th and 5th.

165 properties have been inspected. Inspectors determined the following damage:

Definition

Red-Tagged – not habitable in current conditions, structure has been severely damaged to the degree that that it is too dangerous to inhabit.

Yellow-Tagged – moderately damaged to the degree that its habitability is limited, not suitable for overnight stays,

limited occupancy.

Residential

Red-Tagged: 31

Yellow-Tagged: 51

Commercial

Red-Tagged: 8

Yellow-Tagged: 4

Underground Storage Fuel Tanks Red-Tagged: 4

Figures are expected to increase as additional calls for inspections are received and due to the amount of aftershocks plaguing the region. These figures do not include the estimated 180 buildings that are abandoned, collapsed and/or burnt.

A report is being compiled and will be sent to state and federal officials for review. FEMA will ultimately determine if the earthquake damage meets the Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act criteria/threshold for assistance, such as low interest loans.

With aftershocks occurring daily, residents are reminded to continue using caution and evaluate the stability of their homes. If you feel your home has become unsafe, you can call 877-410-8829 (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.) and safety officials will respond and inspect the structure.