Generation Lost In Quake

BBC - Overview: Quake aftermath -
The 7.6 magnitude earthquake that struck close to Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-administered Kashmir on Saturday morning has caused widespread devastation.
Relief operations are under way to help tens of thousands of injured survivors and an estimated two million people left homeless, but weather conditions and the remote mountainous terrain are slowing progress.

921 of Taiwan

I was sitting on my bed with my mind went blank, staring at the dark shaking room. I tried but failed to remember what I should do when there's a quake, while I did remember I've heard of it many times from teachers since a kid. Easy - 'hide under a desk', but it just wasn't across my mind that night on 21 Sep 1999.

I couldn't fall asleep without live radio for months after that, as I needed to feel someone's beside me. I've became really sensitive of earthquakes ever since. My routine when a quake happens: run over my home upstairs, downstairs and shout: EARTHEQUAKE! Why running? Because when you're running, you won't feel the shaking. My families are quite used to my behaviour, so they'll just ignore me. I'll stop running or walking when the quake stops, but keep trembling for a few minutes afterward. I kind of envy my brother because he's like a pig when sleeping, while minor shaking can always wake me up. After a few months of the 921, I finally could get rid of live radio before sleep, but still needed music. Until now, it's already a habit of mine for 6 years because silence makes me feel insecure after all.

I really hate earthquakes. You feel helpless when it happens. Firstly, you can't predict when it will happen. Secondly, normally home can keep you away from danger, but if it's a quake, then home isn't safe to stay anymore! How do you know it won't collapse within just seconds?