34 Years After Loma Prieta City Braces For Largest Shakeout Drill

San Francisco Prepares for the Big One: World's Largest Earthquake Drill Simulates M7.8 on Southern San Andreas Fault

34 Years After Loma Prieta, City Braces for Largest ShakeOut Drill

San Francisco is gearing up for the world's largest earthquake drill on October 20, marking 34 years since the devastating Loma Prieta earthquake. The ShakeOut drill will simulate a magnitude 7.8 earthquake along the southern San Andreas fault, which poses a significant threat to the Bay Area.

Fault Line History and Risk

The San Andreas fault is a major seismic fault line that runs through California. The northern segment of the fault caused the catastrophic 1906 San Francisco earthquake, while the southern segment has not experienced a major earthquake in over 300 years.

According to the ShakeOut Scenario, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake on the southern San Andreas fault could cause up to 2,000 fatalities and over $80 billion in damage. The US Geological Survey estimates a 31% to 20% probability of such an earthquake occurring in the next 30 years.

Importance of Preparedness

The ShakeOut drill aims to raise awareness and encourage earthquake preparedness among residents and businesses. By practicing evacuation procedures, securing heavy objects, and storing emergency supplies, individuals can significantly increase their chances of survival.

San Francisco's participation in the world's largest earthquake drill underscores the city's commitment to disaster readiness. The drill will provide valuable insights and lessons learned to further enhance earthquake preparedness efforts and help ensure a resilient response in the event of a major earthquake.