Earthquake Strikes Along California Rose Canyon Fault, Experts Predict Major Earthquake

The unveiling of an updated scenario for an earthquake in San Diego, California  was made on Wednesday, just mere days before a 5.5 magnitude earthquake hit the region within Rose Canyon Fault. The scenario was unveiled at the National Earthquake Conference held at Sheraton Harbor Island. Several of the leading earthquake experts in the country attended the conference.

In particular, the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI) studied the impact that a 6.9 magnitude earthquake would have if it occurred along the region's Rose Canyon Fault. The study focused on this particular fault because its scope and effect encompasses San Diego's urban core. This was revealed by Heidi Tremayne, the Executive Director of the EERI.

As expected, a 6.9 magnitude quake in this fault would certainly be a major disaster, wreaking widespread havoc and damage. San Diego would be totally devastated. According to Tremayne, an estimated 120,000 buildings are expected to incur severe damage if ever a future earthquake will occur here. In addition, she added that a loss of an estimated 38 billion dollars is to be expected. Imagine what this would do to everyone in the San Diego area. Thousands of lives will be lost and destroyed.

Although the EERI's study did not focus on individual buildings, Tremayne said that those multi-family houses, religious structures, and government buildings that were constructed before 1990 are the buildings which have the highest risk. This is due to the fact that building codes in San Diego were updated during the 1990s, which means that buildings that were constructed after this time needed to comply to higher and better standards compared to building codes in the past.

Tremayne admitted that nobody can predict when a 6.9 magnitude earthquake will occur. She reiterated, however, that it is a matter of when and not if. Although her institute chose the Rose Canyon Fault as the particular area for their study, it is by far not the only one that can occur in the region. She emphasized that they want to better prepare San Diego for the inevitable coming event, and start investing and focusing towards actions that will prevent future damage from any earthquake that can occur in San Diego and the region, whether it occurs in the Rose Canyon Fault or not.

5.5 magnitude earthquake near the Mexican border

True enough, and much too soon, a 5.5 magnitude earthquake occurred on March 6, 2020 at 7:52 in the evening, Pacific time. This event took place, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS), 27 miles away from San Luis, Arizona; 32 miles away from Calexico, California; 34 and 35 miles away from Somerton and Yuma, Arizona, respectively; and 39 miles away from El Centro, California.

The previous ten days have seen two earthquakes with a magnitude or 3.0 or higher. The United States has a frequency of six earthquakes at about 5.0-6.0 magnitudes per year, according to data taken from records spanning three years. This latest earthquake had a depth of up to 6.2 miles.

The USGS urges everyone to report their experience here. For guidance on what to do to prior to and during earthquakes, there is a 5-step preparedness guide you can access here.