The New Madrid Fault is a seismic zone located in the central United States and is known to be one of the most active earthquake zones in the country. The fault line stretches across five states including Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Illinois. It is named after the small town of New Madrid in Missouri where it was first identified.
The New Madrid Fault has experienced some of the most powerful earthquakes in U.S. history including the 1811-1812 earthquakes which were responsible for causing widespread damage across the Mississippi River Valley. Since then, there have been several smaller earthquakes that have occurred in this region.
If you are wondering when was the last earthquake in the New Madrid Fault, then you might be surprised to know that there have been several minor earthquakes recorded in recent times. However, none of them were significant enough to cause any damage or injuries.
According to USGS (United States Geological Survey), there have been around 200 measurable earthquakes recorded near the New Madrid Fault since 1974. Most of these earthquakes were minor with a magnitude of less than 2.5 on the Richter scale.
The last significant earthquake that occurred near the New Madrid Fault was on February 21, 2019. The earthquake had a magnitude of 3.7 and was located near Lilbourn, Missouri. Fortunately, no damage or injuries were reported from this earthquake.
It is important to note that while there hasn’t been a major earthquake in this region for a while now, it doesn’t mean that it’s safe from future tremors. Scientists believe that there is a high probability of another major earthquake happening along this fault line sometime in the future.
So what can we do to prepare ourselves for a potential earthquake? It is always best to be prepared with an emergency kit that includes essentials like food, water, first aid supplies and other necessities. It’s also important to be aware of evacuation routes and have an emergency plan in place.
In conclusion, the last significant earthquake in the New Madrid Fault occurred on February 21, 2019, with a magnitude of 3.7. While there have been several minor earthquakes recorded in recent times, it is important to be prepared for any future seismic activity. By being aware and prepared, we can minimize the risks associated with earthquakes and keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.