E. OM . H ICE UR YO R VO S. W U YO R NE U YO
W W W. L A L O Y O L A N . C O M
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Natural disasters hit North America
Millions affected by recent hurricanes, eartquakes and wildfires in North America Kayla Tanli News Intern @LALoyolan
A magnitude 7.1 earthquake shook central Mexico on Tuesday – just one of many natural disasters to hit North America recently. This followed a minor tremor in L.A. on Monday and a magnitude 8.2 earthquake in Southern Mexico on Sept. 7. The epicenter of the earthquake that struck central Mexico was approximately 83 miles southeast of Mexico City in Puebla. At the time of production, 226 people had died, as reported by Al Jazeera.
A 3.6 earthquake shook Westwood, California at 11:20 p.m. on Sept. 18. The epicenter of the earthquake was west of the Sepulveda pass in the 405 freeway in the Santa Monica Mountains. The shaking was felt throughout the city. A 2.0 magnitude aftershock followed, and there were no reports of damage. The Sept. 7 Southern Mexico earthquake was the largest to hit the country in nearly a century. 96 people died. “I hope everyone is recovering soon and getting a lot of help. If I were in Mexico right now I’d totally volunteer to help those affected, but from here I’m helping with my prayers, God bless you all,” Maria Jose Leon, a sophomore communication studies major from Tehuacan, Mexico, said. Scientists say that “it’s possible for Southern California to be hit by a magnitude 8.2 earthquake. Such a quake would be far more destructive to the Los
Angeles area because the San Andreas fault runs very close to and underneath densely populated areas,” according to the Los Angeles Times. Earthquakes and hurricanes follow over a year of wildfires in the north west. The past year has seen drastic droughts, followed by record rainfall in winter and record high temperatures this summer. The conditions left an abundance of grass and brush that fueled many fires. The combination of the reduction of clouds, high temperatures and below average rains added more fuel to the fires, according to Mace Michaels from Weather Nation. However, factors such as lightning or human activity come to play in igniting the spark. In California, as of Sept. 16, there were seven active wildfires that covered 245,133 acres. One of these wildfires has been contained. Gov. Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency on Sept. 8 in three
counties: Madera, Mariposa and Tulare. Over 2 million acres have been burnt in recent months, as reported by NPR. States that have been affected include Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon and California. As of Sept. 16, there were eight large new fires and 61 active large fires spread throughout the northwest region. The damage from the wildfires is extensive. This wildfire season “leveled hundreds of homes, closed roads and parks, and sent hazy smoke into major cities across the West,” according to Kurtis Alexander from San Francisco Gate, The smoke can cause potential negative health consequences. Children, pregnant women, people over 65 and those who have heart and lung problems are especially vulnerable. See Disasters | Page 4
Officials announce hepatitis A outbreak Outbreak announced in L.A. County after 10 people were infected. Olivia Round
Interim News Editor @LALoyolan
A hepatitis A outbreak was declared in Los Angeles County, as reported by Los Angeles Times on Sept. 19. While the numbers are currently low in L.A. County, with only 10 infected people, the outbreak follows an outbreak in San Diego County where 450 people have contracted the virus and 16 people have died, according to the L.A. Times. “Four of the confirmed cases [in Los Angeles] were in individuals who had been in San Diego and Santa Cruz,” according to ABC7 Los Angeles. Hepatitis A is a highly contagious infection that causes inflammation and affects your liver’s ability to function, according to the Mayo Clinic. The most common way to contract the disease is by contaminated food or water or by coming into close contact with someone else who is infected.
Health officials said the homeless population in California is the most at risk. The disease “appears to be moving from person to person within that community,” according to the L.A. Times. Dr. Barbara Ferrer, director of the L.A. County Department of Public Health, said, “health workers will inspect homeless encampments in Los Angeles to improve sanitation, while spreading the word about improved hygiene,” Ferrer told the L.A. Times. Ferrer said the officials plan to distribute 40,000 vaccinations to homeless people as well as providing shots to new jail inmates, active drug users and medical providers. “Practicing good hygiene, including washing hands frequently, is one of the best ways to protect against hepatitis A,” according to the Mayo Clinic, and vaccines are available for at risk patients. Mild cases, however, do not need treatment and most of those who are infected recover without any liver problems. Ferrer said that those who are concerned should talk with their doctor about receiving the vaccine, which is already recommended for children, according to the L.A. Times. see Graphic | Page 5
Megan Karbowski | Loyolan
Mass of the Holy Spirit Every year, the Mass of the Holy Spirit is held to mark the beginning of the new school year. One special ritual held each year is the decorating of the altar with colorful cloths from around the world. The custom of the Mass of the Holy Spirit dates back to St. Ignatius’s time, according to LMU’s website, and serves as an opportunity to celebrate LMU’s diversity.