Schools, businesses and individuals in Indiana will take part in a statewide drill today, learning about the safety concerns surrounding earthquakes.
The Great Central U.S. ShakeOut Day was created by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security to test the ability of residents to react and respond to an earthquake.
Indiana, as well as surrounding states in central U.S., is an area that is susceptible to powerful earthquakes, which it has experienced in the past. The states in central U.S. are close to the New Madrid Fault, which in 1811 and 1812 was the epicenter to two devastating earthquakes recorded at magnitudes between 7 and 8.
Because of the history of past earthquakes, the U.S. Geological Survey estimates the chance of having an earthquake similar to those in 1811 and 1812 in the next 50 years to be about 7 to 10 percent, and the chance of having a magnitude 6 or larger earthquake in the next 50 years to be 25 to 40 percent.
Scott Rice-Snow, chairman of the Department of Geological Sciences, said while there is the possibility of having a powerful earthquake continues in central U.S., they're small enough that they have not made significant damage since 1812.
"That's not the San Andres Fault. It's not Japan. Those are places where larger quakes occur much more frequently," he said. "So we have these earthquakes recorded in Indiana, but they're nowhere near as powerful as those rare, powerful earthquakes that are found elsewhere."
What could happen?
Today, an earthquake of magnitude similar to the one 1811-12 could cause widespread damage:
• Estimated 85,000 casualties might occur
• Nearly 2 million people would require short-term shelter
• Approximately 715,000 buildings could be damaged
• Total economic losses from damage to buildings, transportation and utilities could reach $200 billion to $300 billion
Source: Central U.S. Earthquake consortium
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
