3.2 Magnitude Earthquake Hits East King County, WA

A 3.2-magnitude earthquake struck east King County, WA, on Thursday afternoon, following a 2.9-magnitude quake in Bremerton earlier that day. Although no injuries have been reported, regional buildings are deemed ill-prepared for a major earthquake event due to the area’s position over the Cascadia Subduction Zone. It is the 24th anniversary of the Nisqually earthquake, which caused extensive damage and injuries in 2001.

On Thursday afternoon, a 3.2-magnitude earthquake struck east King County, Washington, at approximately 12:07 p.m. The tremor occurred about 4.3 miles east-northeast of Fall City, at a depth of 10.43 miles. Residents reported feeling the earthquake, which lasted no longer than two seconds, though no injuries were noted.

This seismic event followed a similar quake earlier that day, a 2.9-magnitude earthquake in Bremerton, which occurred at 5:00 a.m. Although initially reported as a 3.1 magnitude, it was downgraded after federal analysis.

While there have been no reports of structural damage from these quakes, experts warn that many buildings in western Washington, particularly in Seattle, may not be adequately prepared for a significant earthquake. The state is located over the Cascadia Subduction Zone, a major fault line with the potential to produce a substantial earthquake and tsunami, the timing of which remains uncertain.

This Thursday marks the 24th anniversary of the 2001 Nisqually earthquake, which resulted in hundreds of injuries and caused an estimated $1 to 4 billion in damages across the Puget Sound region. Despite recent quakes, many residents are concerned regarding the state’s preparedness for larger seismic events.

Information for this report was sourced from the U.S. Geological Survey and witness accounts via social media.

In summary, a 3.2-magnitude earthquake impacted east King County on Thursday afternoon, following an earlier quake in Bremerton. While no injuries or structural damages have been reported, concerns persist regarding the region’s preparedness for major seismic activity, especially given the historical context of significant earthquakes in the area.

Original Source: www.fox13seattle.com