GSHAP map of global seismic hazard zones
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Fourteen years ago today, Japan experienced a 9.0+ Magnitude earthquake and tsunami that killed at least 19,000 people, destroyed hundreds of thousands of homes, and set off the worst nuclear plant crisis since Chernobyl (see IAEA Update On Fukushima Plant Explosion).
Which was the deadliest earthquake since . . . 13 months earlier (Jan 12th, 2010), when a 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti, killing somewhere between 200,000 - 300,000 people (see USGS Overview).
In 2008 China reported a 7.5 earthquake in Sichuan Province, killing roughly 70,000 people (reports are sketchy). In 2005 Pakistan reported 7.6 Mag earthquake that killed 80,000+ people.
Before that, you only have to go back a little over a year, to the 9.1-9.3 Magnitude Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, which killed more than 220,000 people across 5 nations.
In the 21st century there have already been 6 `Great' earthquakes (8.0 or greater), and scores of major earthquakes (7.0-7.9 Mag). Accurate death tolls are difficult to obtain, but upwards of 1 million deaths have been caused by earthquakes/tsunamis in the past 25 years.
And while the United States has enjoyed a bit of an earthquake `drought' over the past century, that is unlikely to last.
Like CAT 5 hurricanes, severe pandemics, and droughts, major seismic events are inevitable. A little over a year ago the USGS unveiled a new seismic risk map (see below), increasing the percentage of Americans at risk of experiencing a damaging earthquake to nearly 75% (roughly 240 million people).
While the `big one' in California (see Dr. Lucy Jones: `Imagine America Without Los Angeles’) remains a possibility, there are other areas in the continental United States equally ripe for a big quake.
- FEMA and the U.S. government conducted a huge drill nine years ago (see FEMA: Cascadia Rising 2016) involving 20,000 people from both the United States and Canada, in order to prepare for a catastrophic M9.0 quake & tsunami off the Pacific coast.
- And in 2011 – during the bicentennial of the four great New Madrid earthquakes of 1811-12 –FEMA and other federal agencies mounted the largest National Level Exercise (NLE) to that date, revolving around a catastrophic earthquake occurring in the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ) that would involve eight Central U.S. States.
- Perhaps least appreciated is the seismic history of South Carolina, which in 1886 was struck by an (Est. 7.3-7.6 magnitude) quake that devastated much of Charleston, South Carolina. Shaking was felt as far north as Boston, south to Cuba, and west as far as New Orleans.
And if that isn't enough, our Pacific, Gulf, and Atlantic coastlines are also susceptible to tsunamis generated from both local and distant earthquakes (see East Coast Tsunami Threats).
When it comes to seismic activity, much of Europe is vulnerable as well. Below you’ll find the 2013 SHARE (Seismic Hazard Harmonization in Europe) seismic hazard map.
In 2011, in A Look At Europe’s Seismic Risks, we reviewed some of the most devastating earthquakes to strike Europe over the past 700 years, including the quake that leveled the Swiss town of Basel in 1356 and the horrific earthquake and tsunami that struck Portugal in 1755 on November 1st (All Saint’s Day).
Also in 2011 (see UNDP: Supercities At Seismic Risk) we saw a report that stated that half of the world’s supercities (urban areas with 2 million – 15 million inhabitants) are at high risk for seismic activity.
While I don't have to worry much about earthquakes where I live (I make up for it with hurricanes), I put high value in being prepared for natural disasters, and I strongly urge other to do so as well.
Earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis strike with little or no warning. Simply put, if you aren't already prepared when they happen, your options quickly become limited.
While we can't prevent the next big quake from happening, we can prepare for it.
The third Thursday in October (Oct 16th in 2025) is International Shakeout Day, when dozens of states and countries practice earthquake safety. If you live in or near one of these seismically active areas, I would strongly urge you, your family, and your employees take part in these yearly drills.
But after the shaking stops, you'll have to find ways to cope with the aftermath.
While the government will send help, you could find yourself pretty much on your own for several days and living in less than comfortable conditions for weeks.
Prepare Before an Earthquake
The best time to prepare for any disaster is before it happens.
Practice how to protect yourself during earthquakes, with family and coworkers.
Make an Emergency Plan: Create a family emergency communications plan that has an out-of-state contact. Plan where to meet if you get separated.
Make a supply kit that includes enough food and water for several days, a flashlight, a fire extinguisher and a whistle. Being prepared allows you to avoid unnecessary excursions and to address minor medical issues at home, alleviating the burden on urgent care centers and hospitals.
Remember that not everyone can afford to respond by stocking up on necessities. For those who can afford it, make essential purchases and slowly build up supplies.
Protect Your Home: Secure heavy items in your home like bookcases, refrigerators, water heaters, televisions and objects that hang on walls. Store heavy and breakable objects on low shelves. Consider making improvements to your building to fix structural issues that could cause your building to collapse during an earthquake.
Consider obtaining an earthquake insurance policy. A standard homeowner’s insurance policy does not cover earthquake damage.
(Continue . . . . )
For some older blogs on earthquake preparedness, both here in the United States, and around the world, you may wish to revisit:
California Quakes : Concrete Concerns
Estimating The Economic Impact Of A San Andreas Quake
USGS/OGS Joint Statement On Increased Earthquake Threat To Oklahoma
Japan's Earthquake Preparedness Messaging - Tokyo's X Day
