Earthquake Quote by Gordon Thomas
““In San Francisco, two people actually saw the earthquake. Jesse Cook, the police sergeant on duty in the produce market, saw it a moment after he became aware of panic among the horses all around him. Years later Cook recalled: “There was a deep rumble, deep and terrible, and then I could see it actually coming up Washington Street. The whole street was undulating. It was as if the waves of the ocean were coming towards me, billowing as they came.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Earthquake in San Francisco, Gordon Thomas, 1995
A vivid eyewitness description of an earthquake’s physical sensations and the panic it caused.
In simple terms: Seeing the quake felt like ocean waves moving through the street.
Key Takeaway
Observe and trust your senses during crises.
Themes
earthquake
panic
observation
Mood
anxious
dramatic
Type
narrative
descriptive
When to use this quote
- disaster response
- emergency training
- city planning
- public safety
Key Concepts
seismic activity
human perception
urban chaos
Questions to Reflect On
- How do personal perceptions shape our understanding of natural disasters?
- What can authorities learn from such vivid descriptions?
A Different Perspective
Eyewitness accounts can be subjective and lack scientific measurement.
