Recreate the San Francisco earthquake by computer

On April 18, 1906, a magnitude 7.9 earthquake flattened the city of San Francisco. More than 3,000 people were killed by earthquakes and fires.

The earthquake was strong at 7.9 degrees Rich-te on April 18, 1906.

On April 18, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the historic earthquake in San Francisco, researchers recreated with an earthquake of similar strength a century ago to predict losses. and casualties caused by earthquakes if at the present time.

According to the calculation of the computer, if an earthquake is equivalent at the present time, it will cause more than 3,400 deaths, most of the buildings will be broken, 70,000 people without houses. In or having to relocate, 13,000 buildings are damaged and destroyed, directly costing more than 125 billion USD, this loss will be as big as the damage caused by Typhoon Caucasian -na or the flood in New Orleans state.

The research project is called "If the earthquake again occurs," they hypothesize if an earthquake of similar magnitude and impact is happening again in San Francisco 100 years ago. the earthquake's destruction will be even greater, because the population density in this area has increased tenfold compared to 100 years ago and the value of real estate has also increased significantly.

This research project was carried out by engineer Charles Cotchell and colleagues. They investigated the demographics in 2,000 areas, detailing the types of architecture, architectural age, area, value as well as the number of people in each survey area. The team also notes that houses are of poor quality . to estimate damage.

Charles was very confident about the accuracy of the calculations and had the support of structural researchers. All seismologists agree that it is difficult to avoid the occurrence of an earthquake equivalent to the scale of the 1906 earthquake in this gulf region, only that time is unknown. and and the location where the fractured floor arises.

The US National Geological Survey has also predicted a major earthquake every 200 to 250 years.

The celebration of the 100th anniversary of the massive earthquake by San Francisco is also an opportunity for them to reevaluate the preparations to deal with future earthquakes.

Tuyet Nhung