Half of America faces earthquake risks

A new study reports that about half of the US population is facing an earthquake risk.

Risk of earthquakes in the US

During the annual meeting of the American Seismic Research Association, scientists said more than 143 million Americans are living in earthquake-prone areas, in the lower 48 states. According to estimates by the US Geological Survey (USGS), if including Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico, this figure is 150 million, about doubling compared to 25 years ago.

The map describes the level of ground movement throughout the United States.White is the lowest, while red is the highest.(Photo: USGS)

Scientists calculate the financial loss if an earthquake occurs that the average economic loss is estimated at $ 4.5 billion. Of which, 80% are concentrated in California, Oregon and Washington states. Some areas with construction works are easily destroyed by earthquakes on the east coast.

According to Live Science, there are more than 6,000 fire stations, 800 hospitals and nearly 20,000 schools on unstable ground . However, this study includes artificial effects. "More than 140 million people live in earthquake-prone areas, but this figure may be higher in terms of human-induced activities," said USGS expert Kishor Jaiswal.