A small earthquake near Tiptonville, Tennessee last weekend, served as a reminder of the New Madrid faultline in the Midwest. This faultline produced one of the most destructive earthquakes in history in 1812, and continues to have hundreds of minor quakes each year. Emergency preparedness drills have been conducted across Missouri, including a three-day drill simulating an 8.4 magnitude earthquake in the St. Louis area. The potential damages of a similar earthquake today could exceed $200 billion.
Seismologists emphasize that the true risk from earthquakes comes after the shaking ends, with concerns about critical infrastructure like roads and bridges. It is crucial to better understand earthquakes and build smarter to prepare for potential disasters. The SLU Earthquake Center studies earthquake risk, but there is still much that scientists do not understand. Learning from historic earthquakes, modern seismologists aim to predict the chances of future disasters.
Officials recommend that homeowners enroll in earthquake insurance due to the vulnerability of certain buildings. While rates have decreased in recent years, it is important to be prepared for any disaster. The USGS monitors seismic activity nationwide through computer monitoring stations. Personal experiences like surviving the 2010 earthquake in Chile serve as a reminder of the importance of earthquake preparedness.
The New Madrid museum in New Madrid, Missouri chronicles the impacts of the 1812 earthquakes, serving as a reminder of the potential devastation from future earthquakes. With response plans in place, individuals are encouraged to educate themselves on basic earthquake safety measures and stay informed about the risks.
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