Earthquake disaster drill to be held on Arkansas State University campus
by June 13, 2017 9:07 am 282 views
Arkansas State University and the Department of Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management in partnership with the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management will host the 2017 Regional Earthquake Exercise June 14-18, according to information released.
The exercise will simulate a major earthquake causing extensive damage in Northeast Arkansas. Agencies from at least eight states will respond on the campus. Responders will be tested on their ability to evaluate and access the damage to our campus and relay this information back to the ADEM.
Participants will arrive on campus Wednesday (June 14) and be visible through Sunday (June 18). Most of the participants, equipment and activity will be centered around the Military Science Building. Other building inspections will be conducted across campus. Participants will wear vests identifying them as responders.
NEA could be ground zero if a major earthquake strikes the New Madrid Seismic Zone. The three most powerful earthquakes ever recorded in the United States were recorded in the zone from 1811-12. One, registering 8.8 on the Richter Scale, struck Feb. 7, 1812 near New Madrid, Missouri. It reportedly caused the Mississippi River to flow backwards for several hours.
Thousands of quakes were recorded during this time period. The seismic activity was so numerous it caused church bells in Boston to ring, and were felt at the White House in Washington D.C. The fault zone ends at Marked Tree.