Scientists Warn San Andreas Fault Long Overdue For Major Earthquake

Scientists Warn San Andreas Fault Long Overdue For Major Earthquake


LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — California’s last big earthquake in 1857, and scientists say the San Andreas Fault is long overdue for a major quake – and Southern Californians need to do more to prepare.

A computer simulation shown at the National Earthquake Conference this week showed the widespread effect such a large quake that hits the San Andreas Fault could have, reaching from Central California to the Mexican border. Scientists say that long overdue earthquake could be as big as a magnitude 8 that could shake for as long as two minutes.

In such a scenario, experts believe as many as 1,800 people could be killed, 50,000 injured and more than $200 billion caused in damage.

Scientists from around the world have gathered at the Long Beach conference this week to discuss the best ways to retrofit buildings and protect people.
[link to losangeles.cbslocal.com]