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LISTEN: Reporters 'rock and roll' through 2001 Nisqually earthquake

KNKX Public Radio | By Paula Wissel

Published February 26, 2021 at 5:00 AM PST

Elizabeth Pearson, 17, cleans her mom's crystal and glass gift shop in Olympia, Wash., Thursday, March 1, 2001.

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Lauren McFalls / The Associated Press file

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The facade of the building that housed the Fenix Cafe in Seattle's Pioneer Square crumbled following an earthquake Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2001, in Seattle.

Elaine Thompson / The Associated Press file

Bricks that fell from an earthquake cover parked cars in Seattle's Pioneer Square district, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2001, in Seattle.

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Stevan Morgain / The Associated Press file

Paul Riek checks to see if his car starts after parts of the top half of a nearby building fell on it, during an earthquake in downtown Seattle, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2001. Riek said he had just parked his car there moments before to do some shopping.

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Stevan Morgain / The Associated Press file

Reporters take cover under a conference table in the Mayor's press room during an earthquake in Seattle, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2001.

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Stevan Morgain / The Associated Press file

A large crack is visible on one of the columns on the Legislative Building in Olympia, Wash., Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2001, a result of an earthquake. All buildings on the Capitol Campus were evacuated pending damage assessments.

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Louie Balukoff / The Associated Press

Construction worker Merritt Huntley pushes away debris with his boots as he looks over earthquake damage in front of Starbucks headquarters Thursday morning, March 1, 2001, in Seattle.

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Elaine Thompson / The Associated Press file

Twenty years ago Sunday, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit the Puget Sound region. If you went through the Nisqually quake, you probably have a story to go with it.

KNKX’s Paula Wissel -- along with other reporters working in the region -- experienced it. One thing about the quake was its timing. It struck on a Wednesday morning, at exactly 10:54 a.m.

It was a busy news day, with reporters at news conferences in Seattle and covering the Legislature in Olympia. Bill Gates was demonstrating new technology to a roomful of teachers. A basketball tournament was underway at the Tacoma Dome.

Listen above as these reporters share their earthquake memories -- and hear some of those rumbling moments caught live.

Reporters take cover under a conference table in the Seattle mayor's press room during an earthquake on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2001. The quake, centered near Olympia, caused major damage to many structures as well as knocking out power to thousands. — Reporters take cover under a conference table in the Seattle mayor's press room during an earthquake on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2001. The quake, centered near Olympia, caused major damage to many structures in the area as well as knocking out power to thousands.