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Earthquake
One of the most frightening and destructive phenomena of nature is a severe earthquake and its terrible after effects. An earthquake is a sudden movement of the earth, caused by the abrupt release of strain that has accumulated over a long time. The United States Department of Geology develops and maintains nation-wide earthquake hazard maps, and provides information on all historical and recent earthquakes.
There are several known earthquake hazards throughout the County with further geologic analyses ongoing. The Pacific Northwest Seismograph Network monitors all earthquake activity in Washington and Oregon. Recent evaluation of the earthquake potential in the Pacific Northwest indicates that we could experience a subduction zone earthquake measuring in excess of 9 on the Richter scale. Such an occurrence would cause heavy loss of life and devastation of public and private property and infrastructure. You can reduce the impact of earthquakes by taking time to prepare for earthquakes now