Arkansas – The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and state officials are urging residents to stay prepared for the possibility of a major earthquake, reminding the public that, unlike severe weather, earthquakes cannot be accurately predicted.
The New Madrid Seismic Zone, which spans northern Arkansas and southern Missouri, records significantly more earthquakes annually than tornadoes. Arkansas experiences an average of 30 to 40 tornadoes each year, while the seismic zone reports 250 to 300 earthquakes annually, most of which occur in northern Arkansas. While only a small percentage of these quakes are strong enough to be felt, the USGS estimates a 25% to 40% chance of a 6.0-magnitude earthquake occurring in the region within the next 50 years—a prediction that has remained consistent for the past two decades.
“It’s not if, but when,” said Scott Ausbrooks, Arkansas’s state geologist, emphasizing the inevitability of a significant earthquake in the area.
A 6.0-magnitude quake would cause “quite a bit of damage,” according to Hilda Booth, the earthquake program manager for the Arkansas Department of Public Safety’s Division of Emergency Management. Booth highlighted the potential consequences, including the collapse of older buildings, destruction of roads, downed cell phone towers, and widespread power outages.
To promote earthquake preparedness, state emergency officials are once again reminding residents to take proactive steps. Homeowners are encouraged to secure heavy furniture, such as bookcases, and to strap down hot water heaters to prevent toppling during a quake.
Some information for this article was provided by the Arkansas Advocate.
