American earthquake response exercises

'1,800 deaths, 50,000 injuries and $ 200 billion damage' is the scenario of an earthquake of 7.8 Richter scale if it happens in Southern California (USA). This scenario is the scientific basis for the November rehearsal in the United States.

The entire earthquake scene is assumed according to the ShakeOut scenario.(Photo: USGS)

On May 22, the Scenario, the Great Southern California ShakeOut, was reported by US scientists at a US Congress session in Washington, DC.

This scenario, called ShakeOut, is a product of interdisciplinary collaboration with the participation of more than 300 scientists, engineers and experts from many agencies, including the US Geological Survey ( USGS) and California agencies such as Geological Survey Center, Southern California Earthquake Monitoring Center, Emergency Service Agency and Seismic Safety Committee.

According to the ShakeOut, an earthquake of 7.8 on the Richter scale will not only cause great loss of life and facilities but also have long-term socio-economic consequences.

According to US experts, the scenario is the result of the most comprehensive study so far about the impact of a major earthquake in this region, and is the scientific basis for a major exercise. most in California history to deal with earthquakes, is scheduled to be held on November 13, 2008.

Progress of earthquakes in each area.(Photo: USGS)

Called 'Golden Guardian' 08 ' , this rehearsal - organized jointly by the Emergency Service Agency and the California Domestic Security Agency - aims to test the possibility of an emergency reaction when a large San Andreas Fault (San Andreas Fault) occurs in Southern California.

On June 4, a 'Launch' event for ShakeOut will be organized to help Californians plan to respond to the risks outlined in the scenario.

Under this scenario, the earthquake will take place and cause the following damage:

- The strongest impact and biggest loss will be within the San Andreas crevice stretching to Southern California, including Coachella valley, Inland Empire region and Antelope valley.

- At least 10 million people will be affected by strong tremors. But because California put all its efforts into prevention and rescue, the death toll is estimated to be only 1,800 people.

- Houses that are easily damaged and collapsed will be badly damaged. Within a radius of 15 miles from the San Andreas Fault, all houses with un-reinforced brick and brick structures will be completely destroyed. Total losses were estimated at $ 33 billion.

- Arterial routes leading to Southern California will be cut off at Cajon Pass (Highway 15), San Gorgonio Pass (Highway 10) and along Highway 14, including pipelines and lines. Electricity, roads, railways, communications and water culverts.

- Strong tremors will continue in downtown Los Angeles for 55 seconds, nearly 8 times longer than the Northridge (California) earthquake in 1994.

Progress of earthquakes in each area.(Photo: USGS)

- A long, strong impact will cause heavy damage, and can knock down hundreds of old brick houses, thousands of concrete commercial and industrial buildings, many wooden houses, and even some high-rise reinforced concrete buildings. Overall, over 600,000 houses will be damaged, injuring tens of thousands of people, hundreds of deaths, and thousands of people without accommodation or workplaces.

- Fires will double the number of deaths and economic losses. Around Southern California, there will be about 1,600 fires, including a number of fires merging into one big fire and burning hundreds of urban blocks. Even if it is assumed that there is no wind in Santa Ana, the fire also causes direct losses to increase by USD 65 billion and indirect losses increase by VND 22 billion.

- About 50,000 people must be taken to an emergency, while nearly two-thirds of the beds in hospitals in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino will be damaged.

- Thanks to investing $ 6 billion in seismic safety, the highway system in the state is generally not severely affected, but some bridges will be damaged, making many highways not accessible. The prolonged seismic time will cause some bridges and overpasses to be damaged.

- Water distribution system must suffer the largest long-term economic loss. Some areas will suffer so much damage that they need to replace the entire water supply system, and some places will not have water for 6 months. Business interruption costs, both direct and indirect, due to water shortages will be US $ 50 billion.

However, US scientists believe that most of the damage caused by earthquakes in Southern California can be predicted and prevented. People can protect themselves and help others by following the instructions on how to deal with earthquakes.

Dr. Lucile Jones, head of the USGS 'Demonstration of Hazard in the Southern California' project team , said: 'This emergency exercise is based on an analytical work. The most comprehensive about the consequences of an earthquake if it happens in Southern California. We believe that this science project will help state and local agencies set up an emergency response plan to avoid the worst consequences of a major earthquake. '