On the 35th anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake, the USGS is collecting personal accounts from those who experienced the quake through the ‘Did You Feel It?’ tool. The 1989 earthquake resulted in significant casualties and damage, highlighting California’s seismic vulnerabilities. The USGS seeks to leverage these memories to enhance future disaster preparedness and community resilience.
On the 35th anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is reaching out to individuals who experienced the seismic event firsthand, seeking their input through the modernized reporting tool ‘Did You Feel It?’. This feature, which was launched a decade after the catastrophic 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck on October 17, 1989, offers a platform for residents affected by the tremor to share their experiences. The Loma Prieta quake caused 63 fatalities and incurred extensive damages estimated at $6.8 billion, prompting an awakening regarding California’s earthquake risks. The USGS aims to utilize the gathered data to improve geologic understanding, future earthquake impact predictions, and emergency preparedness. As the anniversary approaches, the USGS emphasizes the continuing relevance of these recollections, with Director of the Earthquake Science Center Christine Goulet stating the importance of collecting public insights to enhance community resilience and preparedness. Although the most severe destruction occurred in Santa Cruz and the surrounding areas, responses to the questionnaire have exceeded 11,500 and span regions from Southern California to Oregon. To facilitate broader participation, the questionnaire is now accessible in multiple languages, including Spanish and Chinese. USGS representatives have further advised the public to take this opportunity to ensure that they are prepared for potential future seismic events, including enrolling in the ShakeAlert early warning system.
The Loma Prieta earthquake, occurring in 1989, remains a pivotal moment in California’s geological history, reminding residents of the inherent risks associated with living in a fault-prone region. This disaster was notable not only for its intensity and damage but also for its lasting impact on public safety measures and earthquake preparedness initiatives in the state. Following this event, various systems were developed to enhance understanding of seismic activity, one being the ‘Did You Feel It?’ program launched by the USGS, which collects experiences from individuals who have felt tremors and provides valuable data for scientists and emergency planners.
The 35th anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake serves as a crucial reminder of California’s seismic risks and highlights the importance of community involvement in preparedness efforts. The USGS’s initiative to gather personal accounts underscores the value of collective memory in enhancing our understanding of earthquake impacts and improving safety measures for the future. This ongoing engagement is vital for fostering resilient communities capable of responding to similar disasters.
Original Source: www.pressdemocrat.com
