The Night of the

Earthquake
By: Caitlin Mattar

One day, a pregnant woman named Elisa was telling people about the earthquake that almost killed
her husband, Jack, and his friend, Gordan.

ABC News
Darwin residents feel impact of earthquake 600 kms away in Banda Sea
Posted earlier today at 4:23am (3/9/15)
By Elliana Lawford

People in Darwin have reported feeling the impact of a 5.2 magnitude earthquake in the
Banda Sea, 600 kilometers away.
The earthquake hit about 4:15pm (ACST) about 600kms north of Darwin, and 365kms
east of East Timor's capital Dili.
Senior seismologist at Geoscience Australia, Jonathan Bathgate, told 783 ABC Alice
Springs that people in Darwin had reported feeling the quake.
"We have had a number of felt reports from people in Darwin," Mr. Bathgate said.
He said the reports were of a very short-lived rumbling.
"They tend to be felt quite strongly in Darwin compared to what the magnitude of the
earthquake is," he said.
One person told the ABC that in the Darwin suburb of Caesarian their computer monitor
wobbled during the quake.
There was no tsunami expected.
"It is relatively small and the depth of this earthquake also makes it very unlikely that
there would be a tsunami generated," Mr. Bathgate said.

It was a long time ago and my

husband, Jack, and his friend, Gordan, went
on a work trip to a science museum in
Darwin, Australia. They both were
scientists. I was 8 months pregnant with
twins and I did not want to stay home alone,
so I went with them to Darwin.
It all started when we were about to
travel.
Get in the car Elisa; we will miss
our flight if we dont hurry up! Jack said.
Its kind of hard to hurry up with
two children in my stomach!
It was a very stressful day, so we argued a lot.
That is when Gordan said we should stop fighting, so we did.
We went through security got on the plane, and finally arrived to Darwin, Australia.
It was perfect, beautiful weather, until we arrived at the science museum.
I asked, Jack whats going on why are people screaming and yelling?
Theres and earthquake coming, but dont worry; tectonic plates rub against each other
which then causes an earthquake, so that may not be near us!
I think Jack was trying to calm me, but that did not work, so Gordan said.
Only some earthquakes are dangerous. If you look it up, most earthquakes are around
1.4, meaning only little damage!
Gordan was wrong!
Jack, Gordan, and I were trapped in the Science museum with falling statues. Many
people were trying to help me because I was pregnant with twins, but not Jack and Gordan.
We heard a great rumble and I knew the earthquake was starting.

While Jack was looking for safety, a stone

statue of Elizabeth Blackburn, a famous Australian
scientist, fell on Jacks leg!
No, Jack!
I was horrified on how painful this looked.
Gordan go help him, not me!
Gordan listened to me immediately because
of my harsh voice.
I had to hide under the table to stay safe, while Gordan and Jack went the opposite
direction to find shelter. I couldnt stop thinking about how I was safe and Jack and Gordan were
not.
Many statues and walls were falling. It was very dangerous to be around all these
tumbling objects.
That is when I felt the earthquake shake again, but even stronger than last time.
The whole building was falling apart right in front of me! I remembered Jack and Gordan
were still trying to find shelter, so there was a high chance of them getting hurt or even worse.
After a few moments, I could feel my heart pounding.
Jack, Gordan are you ok?
I kept screaming and screaming, until the earthquake ended.
I stood up immediately. That is when I felt a hand on my shoulder pulling me down. It
was a woman. She told me how I cannot go and how things are still falling apart.
I know she was trying to be nice, but I just ignored her and started running towards the
direction Jack and Gordan went!
Jack! Gordan!
Elisa? Elisa!
I ran into Jacks arms and I forgot all that happened. I just thought about Jack.
Umm Elisa, Jack can I join this hug? asked Gordan.
Of course, Gordan, you can join!

Wait! I said, What about your leg Jack?

We can figure that out later, but right now Im
just happy to see youre safe!
Eventually it was time to leave, immediately.
Gordan, Jack, and I had to find a way to the hospital.
After we did, we found out Jack broke his leg. The
good thing is that it was not a serious injury.
After a few weeks, we got on the plane and
headed back home.
I had two twins one boy, one girl.
Now Jack became manager of the museum he works at, and I got back to being a
teacher.
Every now and then, I look back to that very day and tell myself how grateful I am.

The End