Living in Southern California often comes with the unshakable thought: When will the next big earthquake strike? With over 20 million residents relying on water from outside sources, a major earthquake would threaten not only lives and infrastructure but also the very foundation of daily survival—water supply.

Dr. Lucy Jones, a renowned seismologist, has long cautioned about the inevitable threat posed by the San Andreas Fault. In an interview with Eyewitness News, she made it clear that while earthquakes are unpredictable and sudden, it’s not the quake itself that should alarm us. Instead, it’s the secondary impacts that should draw more attention.

The Aqueducts and the San Andreas Fault

One of the most significant concerns Dr. Jones raises is the risk to Southern California’s aqueduct system. Every aqueduct supplying water to the region crosses the San Andreas Fault. Should a major earthquake hit, these aqueducts would likely break, leaving millions without access to water.

“Water’s potentially our worst problem,” Jones emphasized. “Every one of the aqueducts that bring water into Southern California will be broken when that earthquake happens.”

The aftermath of such an event would be devastating. In addition to the immediate concern of clean water for drinking and sanitation, there would be widespread fires across the region, with no water to fight them. Businesses would struggle to operate, and the stress of water scarcity could lead to immense psychological strain for millions.

Dr. Jones predicts a minimum six-month period without external water, leaving residents dependent on stored reserves. She advises everyone to store as much water as possible, warning that “whatever water you’ve stored, store some more.” The implications of a prolonged water shortage would affect every aspect of daily life, from drinking to hygiene.

Mitigating the Impact: Is FEMA Prepared?

While FEMA has plans in place to respond to a disaster of this magnitude, Dr. Jones cautions that the extent of relief is uncertain. Water shortages would likely lead to long lines for daily rations, with no immediate solution to restore the supply. People may not perish from dehydration, but the stress of living without basic water access could lead to widespread psychological distress, including depression and anxiety.

Dr. Jones poses the important questions: When will it hit? Will we be ready?

The last major earthquake along the San Andreas Fault was more than 165 years ago, meaning the region is overdue. While there is no way to predict the exact timing, Jones’s advice is simple yet urgent: Prepare now.

Seismic Retrofitting for Apartment Buildings: A Vital Step in Earthquake Preparedness

In addition to the risks to water supply, another critical factor in earthquake preparedness is the seismic retrofitting of apartment buildings. Southern California is home to numerous older buildings that were constructed before modern earthquake-resistant standards were introduced. These structures, particularly soft-story apartment buildings, are vulnerable to collapse during a major quake.

Seismic retrofitting involves strengthening the structural integrity of these buildings, often by reinforcing foundations, adding steel frames, or bracing weak points. This process is essential to reducing the risk of building collapse, protecting lives, and minimizing damage during an earthquake. While retrofitting can be a costly endeavor, it is a necessary investment in the safety of residents and the long-term resilience of communities.

Local governments have recognized the importance of this effort and have introduced mandates requiring seismic retrofitting for certain types of buildings. However, many property owners have been slow to comply due to financial concerns. As the threat of a major earthquake looms, it is imperative that we accelerate retrofitting efforts across Southern California, particularly in densely populated areas where the potential for loss of life and property is greatest.

While we cannot predict when the next major earthquake will strike Southern California, it’s clear that the region is vulnerable to significant disruptions, particularly in its water supply and infrastructure. Seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones’s warnings should serve as a wake-up call for residents and policymakers alike. By storing water, reinforcing critical infrastructure, and ensuring buildings are seismically retrofitted, we can reduce the impact of an inevitable disaster.

The time to act is now, before it’s too late.

Source
Eyewitness News (2024). California’s water supply could be crippled by next major earthquake. Available at: https://abc7.com/post/californias-water-supply-could-crippled-major-earthquake/15429370/