The possibility of a major earthquake still poses a threat to Northeast Arkansas – Arkansas Advocate

Former Mississippi County Office of Emergency Management director David Lendennie was startled awake in his Blytheville home on August 22, 2008, by a 3.7-magnitude earthquake that shook the southern end of the New Madrid Seismic Zone. While no injuries were reported, the event served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of earthquakes. Safety officials emphasize the importance of being prepared for such disasters, as earthquakes cannot be predicted like other natural phenomena.

The New Madrid Seismic Zone, which spans from Marked Tree, Arkansas, north through the Missouri Bootheel, experiences significantly more earthquakes annually than tornadoes. While Arkansas typically records 30 to 40 tornadoes each year, the New Madrid zone averages 250 to 300 quakes, many of which occur in northeast Arkansas. Despite the rarity of felt earthquakes in the region over the past decade, the U.S. Geological Society predicts a 25% to 40% chance of a 6.0-magnitude earthquake along the seismic zone within the next 50 years.

Experts like Arkansas state geologist Scott Ausbrooks emphasize the inevitability of a significant earthquake in the area. The New Madrid Seismic Zone has a history of producing major earthquakes, with three devastating events occurring in 1811 and 1812. The intensity of these earthquakes led to liquefaction, a phenomenon still evident today in the region.

While earthquake scares occasionally arise, preparation and awareness remain key. The New Madrid Historical Museum in Missouri serves as a reminder of the region’s seismic activity and provides tips on surviving earthquakes. State emergency officials actively educate residents, especially youngsters, on disaster preparedness. It is crucial for individuals to heed safety recommendations, secure their homes, and remain vigilant in earthquake-prone areas like the New Madrid Seismic Zone.

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