3.2 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes East King County, Washington

A 3.2-magnitude earthquake struck east King County, WA, shortly after a minor quake in Bremerton. No injuries or structural damage were reported, though local residents felt the quake. The region’s vulnerability due to its position over the Cascadia Subduction Zone continues to raise concerns among experts regarding future seismic risks.

A 3.2-magnitude earthquake occurred in east King County, Washington, on Thursday afternoon, shortly after a similar quake in Bremerton. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the tremor happened at approximately 12:07 p.m., located 4.3 miles east-northeast of Fall City and at a depth of about 10.43 miles. Although no injuries have been reported, residents described feeling the earthquake, which lasted no longer than two seconds.

Prior to this event, a 2.9-magnitude earthquake jolted Bremerton at 5:00 a.m. on the same day, originally reported as a 3.1-magnitude quake before being downgraded after further assessment. Fortunately, there are no structural damage reports from either incident, providing some relief to local communities.

Despite the absence of immediate damage from these earthquakes, studies conducted by seismologists and architects reveal that many buildings in western Washington, particularly in Seattle, are vulnerable to future seismic activities. This concern is heightened by the region’s location over the Cascadia Subduction Zone, which poses the risk of a massive earthquake and tsunami akin to those occurring since at least the year 1700.

As Friday approaches, the 24th anniversary of the 2001 Nisqually earthquake will be observed, an event that resulted in hundreds of injuries and significant financial losses estimated between $1 to $4 billion across the Puget Sound area. The community’s ongoing vigilance regarding earthquake preparedness remains crucial given the uncertain timing of future seismic events.

In summary, a 3.2-magnitude earthquake shook east King County, occurring just hours after a minor quake in Bremerton. Residents reported mild sensations, and thankfully, there were no injuries or structural damages. However, concerns regarding the readiness of buildings in the region linger due to its positioning over the Cascadia Subduction Zone, emphasizing the importance of preparedness for any potential future seismic events.

Original Source: www.fox13seattle.com