A 3.2-magnitude earthquake hit east King County, WA, on Thursday afternoon, following a similar tremor in Bremerton earlier in the day. While residents reported feeling the quake, no injuries or structural damage were noted. Experts warn of vulnerabilities in local infrastructure regarding seismic preparedness.
A 3.2-magnitude earthquake struck east King County, Washington, on Thursday afternoon, shortly after a similar seismic event was recorded in Bremerton. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the quake occurred at approximately 12:07 p.m., located 4.3 miles east-northeast of Fall City, at a depth of around 10.43 miles. Residents in the affected area reported feeling the tremor, which lasted for about two seconds, although no injuries have been reported.
This latest earthquake follows a preceding 2.9-magnitude quake that affected Bremerton earlier that same day at 5:00 a.m. Although this earlier tremor was initially estimated at a magnitude of 3.1, it was later downgraded upon further analysis by federal officials. Such seismic activity raises concerns among residents regarding the readiness of the region for more significant earthquakes.
Despite no reports of structural damage resulting from either quake, experts indicate that many structures in western Washington, particularly in Seattle, are vulnerable to a major earthquake. This vulnerability is attributed to the region’s location above the Cascadia Subduction Zone, a significant fault line that poses a potential risk for the largest earthquake and tsunami experienced in centuries.
The upcoming Friday marks the 24th anniversary of the Nisqually earthquake of 2001, which resulted in injuries to hundreds and inflicted substantial financial damages estimated between $1 billion and $4 billion in the Puget Sound region. The potential for large seismic events remains a crucial issue for local residents and officials.
In summary, the 3.2-magnitude earthquake that recently occurred in east King County, following another tremor in Bremerton, highlights ongoing seismic activity in the region. As concerns about structural vulnerabilities persist, experts continue to emphasize the need for preparedness against future significant earthquakes, particularly given the historical context of the 2001 Nisqually earthquake.
Original Source: www.fox13seattle.com
