:quality(75)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/elcomercio/OG2JTEKWG5FS5BMEWHDGONRZKM.jpg "Tremor in the US today, May 5 – exact time, magnitude and epicenter of the last earthquake via USGS | United States Geological Survey | MIX")
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) keeps a close eye on natural phenomena such as earthquakes, which can pose a threat to the population. Today, Sunday, May 5, the USGS released a report on the latest earthquakes in the states of California, Hawaii, Texas, Alaska, New Jersey, and New York.
One notable event was a magnitude 4.8 earthquake that struck New York and New Jersey on April 5, 2024. This was the strongest earthquake in the region in the last 40 years, raising concerns about the possibility of a previously dormant fault being reactivated. USGS scientists are currently investigating this theory to better understand the causes of the seismic activity.
According to the National Seismic Hazard Model (NSHM), around 230 million people in the US could be at risk of potential large-magnitude earthquakes within the next 100 years. The study also identified Texas, California, Alaska, Utah, Virgin Islands, and Hawaii as high-risk areas due to their proximity to the San Andreas Fault.
USGS geophysicist Mark Petersen highlighted the importance of preparedness in the face of seismic hazards, urging residents to take proactive measures before, during, and after an earthquake. These measures include securing homes, locating safe meeting points, and knowing how to respond in the event of an earthquake.
As seismic activity continues to be a concern in the US, the USGS remains committed to monitoring and studying earthquakes to better protect the population. Stay tuned for more updates on seismic activity in the country.