Make sure this link leads you to [017] Media C3nsorship on Earthquake (05/17/2008). You may need to scroll up or down to see the note I’m referring to. Some of these “banned” (but not strictly so) questions ESWN is reporting here I find extremely frustrating. For example:
Q1. Why were rescuers not sent out immediately to the epicenter in Wenchuan county?
Because the roads were blocked, perhaps? Large earthquakes can be very destructive, and even if they don’t destroy the road or railroad beds themselves, in mountainous areas they can block them with landslides. That kind of thing tends to slow down rescue efforts.
Q2. Why did the helicopters and paratroopers not perform as expected?
Perhaps the weather got in the way? There’s a reason for the saying “蜀犬吠日”- Sichuan’s weather tends to be very wet and foggy. That kind of weather tends to cut down on visibility, which is essential for flying and parachuting safely, especially in mountainous areas.
Q4. Why did the Earthquake Bureau offer no prediction?
Because, as I ranted yesterday, it is essentially not possible. To quote, yet again, New Zealand’s Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences (and remember, these guys have lots of practical, hands-on experience of earthquakes as they happen):
It is possible to estimate where big earthquakes are likely in the next 50 to 100 years, based on geological investigations and the historical record of earthquakes. However, it is not yet possible to accurately predict the time and location of the next earthquake.
Got that?
And I wholeheartedly endorse Roland’s assessment of the two apparently successful earthquake predictions mentioned in that same note.
So please, let’s stick with the science and leave the superstition behind.
