Impending Mega-Earthquake Threatens West Coast: Experts Warn of Catastrophic Impact
Experts warn that a major earthquake could strike the San Andreas fault within 30 years, with serious implications for California’s cities. Predictions include 1,800 deaths and $200 billion in damages. Christy Rowe emphasizes the unpredictability and seriousness of the situation. Immediate and violent shaking could cause extensive destruction, underscoring the need for preparedness.
Experts are raising alarms regarding a significant earthquake anticipated to impact the West Coast of the United States, particularly along the San Andreas fault. This geological fault extends 800 miles across California and is overdue for a substantial seismic event, which studies suggest typically occurs every 150 years. The last notable earthquake along this fault happened 167 years ago, indicating that the region could face a major earthquake within the next 30 years.
The predicted earthquake is anticipated to reach a magnitude of 8, potentially leading to enormous destruction in California’s urban areas. Estimates from the Great California Shakeout indicate approximately 1,800 fatalities and 50,000 injuries, alongside economic losses amounting to $200 billion. However, experts warn that these figures may actually be underestimations of the true impact.
Current geological studies support the conclusion that while the exact timing of a major earthquake, often referred to as “The Big One”, is uncertain, its occurrence within the next three decades is deemed likely. Notably, Christy Rowe, the Director of the Nevada Seismological Laboratory, emphasizes the unpredictability of such seismic events, stating, “We want people to know that this could happen at any time. It could be another 300 years, or it could happen tomorrow.”
Upon occurrence, the earthquake’s effects would manifest almost immediately, with ground shaking starting within 30 seconds. Areas within a 60-mile radius of the epicenter, especially regions along the fault line such as Palm Springs, could experience violent shaking at intensity levels reaching 9. This intensity, classified as ‘violent’ by the United States Geological Survey, may lead to extensive property damage and potentially catastrophic building collapses.
In the event the epicenter is near the Salton Sea, secondary tremors could affect Los Angeles approximately 45 seconds after the initial earthquake strikes, with increasing intensity over the following seconds. By 90 seconds post-event, violent shaking is likely to occur, sustained for at least a full minute, further exacerbating destruction to already compromised infrastructure. Rowe further underscores the seriousness of the situation, noting, “The magnitude of damage is so great that it’s not trivial to prepare for it.”
As the possibility of a devastating mega-earthquake looms, proactive measures may be necessary to mitigate the impending hazards and reduce potential casualties and economic losses.
In conclusion, experts caution that a significant earthquake is imminent along the San Andreas fault, potentially occurring within the next three decades. With predicted damages exceeding 1,800 lives lost and $200 billion in economic impact, preparedness is crucial. The unpredictable nature of such events highlights the urgency of taking informed actions now to lessen the catastrophic effects of this geological threat.
Original Source: www.dailystar.co.uk
