Here where I live in south east Spain the tectonic plate that supports the continent of Africa, and the tectonic plate under Europe meet and grind against each other deep down under this región of Spain. Seismic movements occur frequently. Most are so gentle that they are rarely felt, but now and again a strong earthquake shakes this area. In May 2011 a strong quake hit the town of Lorca, causing much damage, many injuries, and nine deaths.
Nearly 200 years ago a catastrophic quake caused vast devastation and hundreds of deaths in this área around Torrevieja. Half the town was totally destroyed, and Torrevieja nearly ceased to exist.
And one sunny day in June 2013, when I happened to be in a local public library doing some research.... suddenly,.... an incredibly loud deafening rumbling noise roared up from under the ground, the floor heaved violently up and down, the walls shook, the windows rattled, the chair that I was sitting on threw me off sideways, and I gasped with fear and I was gripped by panic.
I thought that Armaggedon ..... The End Of The World.... had struck.
As I leaped to my feet I was aware of shouts and screams from the many other people all around me....... but my only thought was.... ..
I HAD TO GET TO THE DOOR......I HAD TO GET OUT..!
My feet didnt seem to touch the floor as I raced to the exit, bashed the swing door aside with both hands, rushed through, and a moment later I reached the street. As I gasped for breath and stood there shaking .....the roaring slowly subsided, the ground stopped heaving, and my heart slowed down and stopped thumping.

I calmed down.

Gradually I became aware of the crowd of people who had followed me out to safety. Bewildered and white faced.... we all looked around .... and I saw to my amazement and relief that the library building did not appear to be damaged. Then we all started speaking at once ..... excitedly expressing to each other our relief at being alive.... and some people who were total strangers to each other were even hugging and kissing....!
Then I noticed that the two people who had been the closest people behind me as I rushed out, were two very frail-looking genteel little old ladies. Thats when I belatedly realised ..... with shame .... .that I had totally forgotten my usual good manners. In my thoughtless instinctive selfish desire to save my own not-very-worthy life .... I had completely forgotten to hold the swing doors open for those two dear old ladies to pass through.
If they ever set eyes on me again I hope that they will forgive and forget ......the day that I forgot my good manners.

Very interesting then we all coming to moral -how fragile life is and worth our exsistence

Great story John,and I'm sure those two ladies are fine with you. In a panic situation,it really can be hard to keep your wits about you,and fear can actually be a tool,although it might not seem that way at the time.

Very interesting, panic can create many situations. I hope it never happens to me but, I often wonder when cabin crew are advising on safety procedures, just how controlled the operation would be in the awful event of needing to blow on your whistle to attract attention

As I was reading, I found myself suddenly in the library with you! Nicely written. I especially like the build up where you give some history of previous events that tie in nicely to your story. Thanks for sharing.