Early reports from the catastrophic earthquake that hit California's San Francisco-Oakland area Oct. 17 indicate that no Church members were killed or were seriously injured in the disaster.

In an interview with the Church News just before its press deadline Oct. 19, Elder Gene R. Cook of the First Quorum of the Seventy and president of the North America West Area said that while some members were evacuated from their homes, there have been no reports of deaths among Church members. At least 270 people have died in the earthquake. Epicenter of the quake was in Santa Cruz County, 60 miles south of San Francisco.Early reports indicate that perhaps nearly a dozen homes of LDS families were destroyed by the quake, and other LDS dwellings sustained minor damage, such as cracks and broken windows.

"The LDS meetinghouses are all essentially safe," reported Elder Cook. "A majority of the Church buildings were totally unscathed. A few had some problems, such as with electrical wiring and some cracks. Only one Church building in San Jose appears to have some structural damage."

Elder Cook said he has been pleased with the response of Church members in the stricken area. "We have encouraged the local saints to assist in any way possible, to help in their communities. Many members of the Church have provided tremendous service to their neighborhoods and communities.

"Because emergency plans were in place, most of the stake presidencies and other leaders went into action within the hour. Priesthood leaders and faithful sisters knew exactly what to do," said Elder Cook. "They responded in a magnificent way through the priesthood lines. Local units sent members out immediately to identify where the missionaries were; they were all reported to be safe. Home teachers and visiting teachers did an excellent job early on to find out what had happened to members, and how serious were the consequences of the earthquake."

With telephones inoperable in the early hours after the quake, the Church's emergency radio system was implemented. "Ham radio operators provided an invaluable service," said Elder Cook.

"We are still monitoring the situation closely. It has been only two days since the quake, but we see that surely the Lord has blessed members of the Church in California."

The morning after the earthquake, Church News staff writer John Hart was sent to the scene of the disaster. His reports and photos will be published in the Oct. 28 Church News.