Recent earthquakes shook areas near Pasadena and Malibu, reminding residents of Southern California of their region's seismic volatility.
Amidst the tremors, expert warnings about the inevitability of a substantial earthquake in the region have intensified community concerns and calls for preparedness, CNN reported.
Southern California, geographically prone to earthquakes, contains numerous active faults, including the San Andreas and the Sierra Madre. It is these geological features that dictate the seismic activity in the area, contributing to its intricate landscape of hills and mountains.
Mid-August witnessed a 4.4-magnitude earthquake that struck beneath Pasadena. Merely a month later, another tremor, this time measuring 4.7 in magnitude, occurred near Malibu. These events serve as a stark reminder of the area's geological dynamics.
The Northridge earthquake in 1994 remains one of the most significant seismic events in the modern history of Los Angeles. Striking on January 17, 1994, with a magnitude of 6.7, it caused widespread damage, including the collapse of crucial infrastructure and a substantial financial toll estimated in the tens of billions.
Since that major quake, the population of Los Angeles County has grown from about 9 million to more than 10 million people. This population increase brings with it a greater risk during seismic events, as more lives and more infrastructure are now in potential jeopardy.
Despite the historical precedents, many residents remain unaware of the catastrophic potential of a significant seismic event. This lack of awareness poses a challenge in fostering a community-wide culture of preparedness and resilience.
Experts like Kate Scharer, Robert de Groot, and Allen Husker from the U.S. Geological Survey and the California Institute of Technology have provided insights into the patterns and potential future of earthquakes in Southern California. Scharer states that an active fault line underlies every hill and mountain, shaping the very topography of the region.
De Groot elaborated on the potential for a magnitude-7 earthquake along the San Gabriel Mountains, indicating that such significant events are not just possible but likely. Husker reinforced this notion, stating, "When we look back at the catalog, from the 1930s to the present, we can see this thing happens every once in a while." He also highlighted the inevitability of another "big one" during our lifetimes.
The region benefits from the ShakeAlert system, which covers nearly 50 million people across California, Oregon, and Washington. This system provides early warnings for earthquakes, helping to mitigate the impact by giving residents crucial seconds to take cover or halt dangerous activities.
Acknowledging the importance of being prepared, experts urge for a comprehensive readiness approach. As the Centers for Disease Control and the American Red Cross recommend, keeping an emergency supply of water, food, and medicine is essential. De Groot emphasizes seeing these preparations as additions to one's "arsenal" for coping with and recovering from earthquakes.
Holding drills and educational campaigns like the Great ShakeOut, which occurs annually on October 17th, is indispensable in fostering preparedness. These drills, practiced worldwide, help communities and individuals practice how to protect themselves during earthquakes.
Kate Scharer suggested that residents should not only prepare themselves but also consider how they might assist friends, family, and neighbors in an emergency. This community-oriented approach to disaster readiness could significantly enhance the collective resilience to future earthquakes.
As the discussions around earthquakes continue, the importance of readiness is emphasized repeatedly by the experts. As Husker advises, "We need to be prepared, because we could have an earthquake that’s pretty big at any time." This statement underlines the ongoing risk and the acute need for preparedness among the residents of Southern California.
In conclusion, while the timing of the next big earthquake remains uncertain, the certainty of its occurrence is not. Southern California's residents face a critical challenge in strengthening their preparedness not just as individuals or families but as a connected community.
