2.0 minor quake a gentle reminder of potential for disaster
February is Earthquake Awareness Month
By Ralph Hardin
news@theeveningtimes.com
Longtime Mid-South residents are all too aware of the active nature of the New Madrid Seismic Zone.
And yet another minor earthquake, this one reported in northern Marion County near Bull Shoals Lake last Monday is just the latest reminder about the potential for a major earthquake in the region.
The United States Geological Survey says the magnitude 2.0 quake was recorded 8.9 miles east-northeast of South Lead Hill at 12:07 Saturday morning. The location is 21.5 miles west-northwest of Mountain Home, 23.7 miles northeast of Harrison, 29.8 miles east-southeast of Branson, Missouri, and about 150 miles north of Crittenden County.
Experts say normally, earthquakes below magnitude 3 are rarely felt. However, smaller quakes from magnitude 2.0 can be felt by humans if the quake is shallow (few kilometers only) and if they are very close to the epicenter and not disturbed by ambient factors such as noise, wind, vibrations of engines, traffic, etc.
While last weeks temblor went largely unnoticed, it does serve to raise awareness for the need to be prepared in the event of a larger disaster.
February marks Earthquake Awareness Month, and the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management is commencing a campaign to increase preparedness.
Earthquake Awareness Month serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of preparedness, especially for Arkansans living within the New Madrid Seismic Zone.
Nearly 200 earthquakes occur annually in the central United States, though most go unnoticed. However, a major earthquake in the NMSZ could have devastating consequences for the region.
Those who know their local history know that “The Big One” isn’t just a theoretical major quake. It has, in fact, already occurred multiple times, most famously between December of 1811 and February of 1812, when a series of four large earthquakes caused significant changes in the regional landscape. These events are considered some of the largest in the United States since European settlement. Last Friday marked the 213th anniversary of the last major quake of that series, an estimated magnitude 7.5 earthquake that leveled towns and created Reelfoot Lake during its disturbance of the surface area.
It’s not considered a matter of if another major seismic event like those in the 19th century will happen again but when.
Geologists estimate a 7-10% probability of a recurrence of the 1811-1812 earthquakes within the next 50 years, and a 25-40% probability of a magnitude 6.0 or greater earthquake in the New Madrid Seismic Zone.
While predicting an earthquake via scientific methods is quite difficult, many have made predictions about a major earthquake in the area over the years, including an announcement by Iben Browning, who, in 1990, stirred up a sensation in the public by incorrectly predicting a major earthquake in December of that year.
But the potential for massive loss of life and property damage today is quite real. The central United States, once sparsely populated, is now home to millions. Cities like Jonesboro, St. Louis, and Memphis could face catastrophic damage if another major earthquake strikes the NMSZ. Preparedness is essential to mitigate potential loss
See QUAKE, page A10
Photo courtesy og USGS QUAKE
From page A1
of life and property.
Communities are encouraged to take proactive measures. Following a major earthquake or flood, emergency measures may be necessary for survival, as buildings and infrastructure could be unusable for extended periods.
Officials recommend being '2 Weeks Ready,' which involves having an emergency plan and enough supplies for two weeks. Essential items include nonperishable food, water, batteries, medications, first aid supplies, important documents, flashlights, and a portable radio. Families should practice their emergency plans, including contact information and evacuation routes from work, home, or school.
The USGS motto: “In an earthquake, remember to drop, cover and hold on!”
