Just after midnight Eastern Standard Time in the United States, a meteorite crashed causing early morning havoc in Russia. An explosion likened to an atomic bomb blast in Urals Federal District in central Russia “shattered residents' windows, shook the ground and caused several injuries Friday morning, the Emergency Situations Ministry reported. The Volga Federal District has also been affected by the burning debris from what is being explained as a meteor.
The Moscow Times says, “The first reports came in around 7:55 a.m., with witnesses in Chelyabinsk, Yekaterinburg and Tyumen saying they saw flashes in the sky, heard massive thunder and witnessed windows shatter, Yelena Smirnykh, deputy head of the ministry's information department, told Interfax.”
Buildings nearest the meteor’s path shattered as windows exploded in the sonic blast, causing over 1200 injuries(update), many are minimal injuries from glass shards but over 100 people have been admitted to hospitals.
The asteroid is due to pass between the earth and moon below the GOES belt of satellites later today around 2:25 p.m. (EST). It is not known yet, if the meteors are related to the incoming asteroid’s space debris.
(Update: NASA says the meteor is unrelated to the approaching asteroid due to pass in one hour. The meteor crashed into earth from the opposite direction and is confirmed not to be related to asteroid 2012 DA214.)
As citizens we do not know if another meteor shower will happen, but many people can follow NASA news and prepare in case a meteor or rock from the asteroid were to hit in their area. Preppers are always preaching about preparedness and this is one such scenario as to why it is important. This is the benefit from storing up water and food for at least 3 days in case of any unexpected incident like a meteor were to strike our local area.
If a large meteor or asteroid piece hits the Earth, the confusion and panic would cause massive chaos. There would be a run on stores for food, the injured going to hospitals would cause traffic congestion. If this happens and you are okay, stay off the roads, and assist those around you. Stay off the phone unless you need it, so those seeking medical help can have access to phone lines.
After Moscow suffered the meteor strikes, Russian emergency management officials found themselves scrambling to control the panic and confusion that followed. It was early hours their time, people going to work, at school and beginning their day, while most Americans were sound asleep in bed or ending their day.
This afternoon when the asteroid nears the Earth, everyone is better off staying at home or at work, out of the way should something happen. The best thing you can do is be prepared for the unexpected by having food, water and items you will need in a "bug-out bag" until the crisis is over.
Bug-out bag: A backpack with items you need for several days in event of a crisis.
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