California faces a daunting statistic: a more than 95 percent chance of experiencing a damaging earthquake in the next 100 years, according to a new map released by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) on Tuesday.
While the Golden State is particularly vulnerable, the USGS map indicates that nearly 75 percent of the United States could be at risk of potentially damaging earthquakes and intense ground shaking in the next century. This widespread threat underscores the importance of preparedness and infrastructure resilience across the country.
The findings have significant implications for residents and businesses, highlighting the need for seismic safety measures and emergency response planning. The potential for devastating earthquakes not only poses a risk to lives but also to economic stability, as critical infrastructure could be affected.
As urban areas continue to grow, especially in regions like California that are prone to seismic activity, the urgency for updated building codes and public awareness campaigns becomes more pressing. Communities are encouraged to stay informed about earthquake risks and take proactive steps to mitigate potential damage.
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California has over 95% chance of damaging earthquake in next century
cgtn.com
