California could be hit by an 8.2 mega-earthquake, and it would be catastrophic

[Zorro]

The magnitude 8.2 earthquake that ravaged southern Mexico on Sept. 7 was the largest to shake the country in nearly a century.

Like California, Mexico is a seismically active region that has seen smaller quakes that have caused death and destruction. But the Sept. 7 temblor is a reminder that even larger quakes — while rare — do occur.

Scientists say it’s possible for Southern California to be hit by a magnitude 8.2 earthquake. Such a quake would be far more destructive to the Los Angeles area because the San Andreas fault runs very close to and underneath densely populated areas.

The devastating quakes that hit California over the last century were far smaller than the Sept. 7 temblor, which Mexican authorities set at magnitude 8.2 and the U.S. Geological Survey placed at 8.1. Mexico’s earthquake produced four times more energy than the great 1906 San Francisco earthquake, a magnitude 7.8, which killed 3,000 people and sparked a fire that left much of the city in ruins.

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-california-mexico-earthquake-20170908-htmlstory.html

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. We need to be prepared for such a quake, instead of being scared by the idea of it. n/t

[BigmanPigman]

2. I am SOOOOO prepared...

When I was teaching my schools had CA Earthquake Drills all the time (along with deranged gunmen outside the classroom drills..teaching is so much fun these days). Helpful hint: If a roof falls flat crouch next to a table or desk, not under it, since the roof will create a right angle and make a "tent". My Earthquake back pack has solar power chargers for radio, cell phone, and manual crank for light as well. Have all the stuff you would need to take for any emergency ready...duct tape, cash, plastic bags, sharpies, insur papers and photos, meds, supplies for pets, phone numbers, etc. Have a plan to meet relatives and have spare gas on hand always. This is common sense. We are not worried in CA. I think OK should be more concerned with all the fracking.

The funny thing is that my dog sleeps through earthquakes and I have to wake HER up!

[marylandblue]

3. It's good to be prepared, but

An 8.2 directly under a populated area could kill tbousands of people. CA's earthquake code only requires that buildings be able to withstand about a 7.1 quake.

[Susan Calvin]

4. Then that's a recipe for disaster.

A bigger one than that is not "if," but "when."

I'd still move back if I could afford it.

[Auggie]

5. Fear fire as much as earth movement ... even reinforced buildings burn