The U.S. Geological Survey is collecting reports from those who experienced the Loma Prieta earthquake as it marks its 35th anniversary. This quake, which caused 63 fatalities and over $6.8 billion in damages, hangs as a reminder of California’s earthquake risks. The USGS uses accounts from survivors to improve earthquake preparedness and response measures.
On the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake, which occurred on October 17, 1989, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is reaching out to those who experienced the seismic event. The 6.9-magnitude quake resulted in significant devastation, claiming the lives of 63 individuals and inflicting approximately $6.8 billion in damages. Although the “Did You Feel It?” reporting tool, which collects information from the public about their earthquake experiences, was not available during the quake, the USGS is eager to gather accounts from survivors at this juncture. The earthquake served as a poignant reminder of California’s vulnerability to seismic activity and shattered the complacency of its residents. The USGS aims to utilize the insights gathered through these personal accounts to enhance future earthquake preparedness and public safety measures. Geophysicist Susan Hough highlighted that this initiative will aid in understanding the shaking patterns of individual quakes and supports efforts to inform emergency responses and building codes. In response to the anniversary, Christine Goulet, Director of the USGS Earthquake Science Center, commented, “The anniversary dates of devastating earthquakes are reminders that we live in earthquake country. The USGS recognizes the tremendous impact that Loma Prieta had on individuals and institutions. While 1989 was a long time ago, we still see the value of collecting the population’s input from their experience at the time. This will support better knowledge and preparedness plans.” The 1989 earthquake primarily affected communities in the South Bay and the San Francisco region, notably resulting in catastrophic infrastructure failures, including the collapse of part of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and the Interstate 880 Cypress Structure in Oakland. Although considerable damage was localized, reports of shaking have now been recorded from as far south as Southern California to as far north as Oregon, with over 11,500 responses already tallied on the USGS platform. Finally, in line with outreach efforts, USGS encourages residents to ensure they are prepared for seismic alerts, including utilizing the ShakeAlert system to receive notifications on their devices when significant earthquakes occur, thus potentially allowing time for safety actions during such events.
The Loma Prieta earthquake marks a significant event in California’s seismic history, illustrating the state’s inherent vulnerability to earthquakes. Occurring in 1989, it served as a wake-up call for many residents, prompting reassessment of emergency preparedness and building infrastructures designed to withstand seismic activity. The introduction of tools such as the USGS’s “Did You Feel It?” not only encourages community engagement but also provides valuable data for scientific analysis and future resilience planning. In light of the recurrence of such anniversary events, officials emphasize the importance of listening to the experiences of those directly affected to better inform preparation and response strategies.
In summary, the USGS’s initiative to collect narratives from individuals who experienced the Loma Prieta earthquake serves as both a tribute to the impact of this disaster and as a critical step towards improving seismic preparedness. By integrating public experiences into ongoing research and planning, the USGS aims to enhance understanding of earthquake effects, ultimately fostering a safer environment for California residents.
Original Source: www.pressdemocrat.com
