Seattle: A Sleeping Giant Awakes
Seattle’s risk for a devastating earthquake is inching upward, largely due to the lurking Cascadia Subduction Zone offshore. Recent data from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reveals increased seismic activity in the region, with small tremors acting like subtle warnings. Experts say the city’s dense urban core and aging infrastructure could amplify the destruction if a major quake hits. “Seattle is overdue for a significant event,” warns Dr. Lucy Jones, a well-known seismologist, in a recent interview. Many residents are unaware that a quake similar in strength to the 2001 Nisqually event is possible, but with far more destructive potential. The city’s emergency services have ramped up earthquake drills, yet local officials admit that thousands of older brick buildings remain unreinforced. The sense of calm in Seattle’s coffee shops and tech offices may mask a ticking geological clock beneath their feet.
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