CA Earthquake could be Next Katrina (2001 FEMA outlined 3 catastrophes)

[katty]

continues at:
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-me-quake8sep08,0,3035306.story?coll=la-home-headlines

September 8, 2005 latimes.com

KATRINA'S AFTERMATH
California Earthquake Could Be the Next Katrina
By Jia-Rui Chong and Hector Becerra, Times Staff Writers


U.S. Geological Survey seismologist Lucy Jones remembers attending an emergency training session in August 2001 with the Federal Emergency Management Agency that discussed the three most likely catastrophes to strike the United States.

First on the list was a terrorist attack in New York. Second was a super-strength hurricane hitting New Orleans. Third was a major earthquake on the San Andreas fault. ADVERTISEMENT


Now that the first two have come to pass, she and other earthquake experts are using the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Katrina as an opportunity to reassess how California would handle a major temblor.

Jones, scientist-in-charge for the geological survey's Southern California Earthquake Hazards Team, and other experts generally agree that California has come a long way in the last two decades in seismic safety.

[Salviati]

1. Here's hoping that * doesn't hit another trifecta...

:scared:

[fooj]

3. No kidding! I've already been through one of 7.1 magnitude!

Geez............

peace.

[katty]

5. Me too-grew in CA--was in Northridge for the last eruption

[phantom power]

2. My money's on avian flu. Could easily hit this winter.

Of course, we can hope it won't. But we all saw how well "hope" worked for New Orleans.

[Spinzonner]

4. Not very similar to Katrina

It will be difficult - under todays knowledge and technology - to have a warning it is coming or the magnitude, so preparing and prepositioning resources is not likely.

Major damage - under projected likely seismic events - is likely to be more concentrated than with the hurricane. Though there may be radiating effects on utilities and transportation. Self-help within the area and needs for housing are likely to be less severe and widespread.