News & Columns > News Staff Member > Up To 5% Chance Of Major San Andreas Quake

Up To 5% Chance Of Major San Andreas Quake

By News Staff Member
Tuesday, March 24, 2009

The California Earthquake Prediction Evaluation Council (CEPEC) has issued an advisory following a swarm of earthquakes near the Salton Sea Tuesday morning. According to earthquake officials, there is a 1 to 5 percent chance that a 7.0 magnitude or greater earthquake could strike along the southern portion of the San Andreas Fault over the next few days.

County officials are urging residents to use this threat as an opportunity to refresh earthquake supplies and familiarize themselves with earthquake safety tips. Residents should have an emergency supply kit with enough food and water for three days, as well as a disaster plan.

USGS Shake Map for a 4.8 magnitude earthquake in the Salton Sea (Photo by USGS.)

A series of over fifty earthquakes rattled the communities around the Salton Sea on Tuesday morning, including a 4.8 magnitude quake that struck shortly before 5 a.m. Previous swarms along the same section of fault lines have not always produced larger quakes. However, there is a small risk that a larger quake could occur. That risk will diminish over the next 48 to 72 hours, according to officials.