On the occasion of the Loma Prieta earthquake’s 35th anniversary, the USGS is collecting personal accounts from individuals who experienced the event. The 6.9-magnitude quake resulted in 63 fatalities and extensive damage. The USGS encourages public participation via its online tool, “Did You Feel It?” to improve future earthquake preparedness and understanding.
As the 35th anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake approaches, officials from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) are reaching out to gather firsthand accounts from those who experienced the tremor that struck on October 17, 1989. The 6.9-magnitude earthquake not only highlighted California’s susceptibility to seismic activity but also resulted in significant loss of life and extensive damage, totaling approximately $6.8 billion. The USGS seeks to collect memories and observations through its online tool, “Did You Feel It?” which was launched a decade after the earthquake to enhance understanding of quake impacts and assist in future preparedness efforts. Geophysicist Susan Hough explained the importance of this initiative during a recent virtual briefing, emphasizing how personal accounts contribute to data that informs geologists about quake shaking patterns and supports emergency response initiatives. Christine Goulet, Director of the USGS Earthquake Science Center, reiterated the profound impact of the Loma Prieta event, stating, “The anniversary dates of devastating earthquakes are reminders that we live in earthquake country.” The quake’s epicenter was located approximately ten miles northeast of Santa Cruz, severely affecting coastal towns and urban regions, particularly the Marina District in San Francisco, which suffered from ground liquefaction that resulted in building collapses and gas line ruptures leading to fires. Notably, a segment of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge collapsed, leading to one fatality, while the Interstate 880 Cypress Structure in Oakland, collapsing during peak traffic, accounted for 42 of the total 63 fatalities from the event. This earthquake, although not as powerful as the devastating 1906 San Francisco earthquake, is renowned for its extensive damage and significant historical repercussions. As part of the anniversary observance, the USGS not only encourages personal accounts through their survey—available in English, Spanish, and Chinese—but also highlights the necessity for individuals to ensure their compatibility with the ShakeAlert early warning system, which can provide critical notification ahead of significant tremors, allowing individuals to take preventive action. To date, more than 11,500 responses have been logged in the “Did You Feel It?” survey, illustrating its wide reach across California and as far north as Oregon.
The Loma Prieta earthquake serves as a significant reminder of California’s earthquake risk, where such seismic events can lead to catastrophic outcomes. The 1989 quake, the most damaging since the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, resulted in loss of life and extensive infrastructure damage, compelling residents and officials alike to reassess safety measures and preparedness. Over the decades, reporting tools and systems have developed to harness public awareness and firsthand accounts, which are invaluable for ongoing geological studies and future earthquake preparedness planning. The celebrations and remembrances of such disasters foster community resilience and provide critical learning experiences for managing similar challenges in the future.
The U.S. Geological Survey’s effort to collect experiential accounts from the Loma Prieta earthquake marks an important initiative in understanding past seismic activities and enhancing future preparedness. By leveraging individual experiences, the USGS aims to contribute to the body of knowledge that shapes disaster response strategies and builds community resilience to earthquakes. This anniversary serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing risks posed by seismic movements in California and the importance of public participation in safety measures.
Original Source: www.pressdemocrat.com
