OPTIMUM SEISMIC, INC.
September 2024 NEWSLETTER
Resilience Movement Growing Stronger
Ali Sahabi, GEC
Principal,
Optimum Seismic, Inc.
September is National Preparedness Month, making it the perfect time to focus on earthquake preparedness, especially with the recent quakes in Southern California. Just last week, a 4.7 magnitude earthquake shook Los Angeles during rush hour, serving as a timely reminder of the importance of preparation. Janiele Maffei of the California Earthquake Authority emphasizes that “California is earthquake country,” responsible for two-thirds of the nation’s seismic risk. While earthquakes may not strike often, staying prepared is crucial. Simple actions like developing a family emergency plan—deciding where to meet and who to contact—can make all the difference when disaster strikes.
Another vital step in earthquake preparedness is seismic retrofitting. Many homes, particularly older structures, are vulnerable to severe damage during earthquakes. Retrofitting strengthens a building’s foundation and structure, making it more resilient against the violent shaking of a major quake. Though it may require an upfront investment, it’s an essential measure for protecting your home and family, ensuring safety when the “Big One” hits. This recent quake is a fresh reminder that preparedness can’t wait.
California remains in puzzling earthquake ‘drought’ despite recent shaking
Despite an unusual number of modest earthquakes this year in Southern California, the state overall remains in the midst of a “drought” of major earthquakes.
There have been no significant damaging earthquakes underneath California’s most populous cities in the last 30 years.
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Rubble and grief: Morocco’s High Atlas marks one year since record earthquake
The rescue crews and bystanders are long gone but the remnants of homes still sit in piles off to the side of the jagged roads.
A year after nearly 3,000 people died when a record earthquake shook communities throughout Morocco’s High Atlas, it still looks like a bomb just went off in villages like Imi N’tala, where dozens of residents died after a chunk of mountainside cracked off and flattened the majority of buildings.
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Giant oarfish: Earthquake-warning legend
Why it’s awesome: According to Japanese myth, oarfish are harbingers of earthquakes, and their appearance signals a tremor could be about to hit.
In traditional Japanese legend, oarfish were known as “ryugu no tsukai” meaning “the messenger from the sea dragon god’s palace.”
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New AI Model Could Predict Major Earthquakes Months Before They Happen
Research by a scientist at the University of Alaska Fairbanks suggests that the public could receive several days to months of advance notice before a major earthquake, based on the identification of preceding low-level tectonic activity across large areas. This analysis focused on two significant earthquakes in Alaska and California.
The work was led by research assistant professor Társilo Girona of the UAF Geophysical Institute.
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Japan just made their first-ever warning of a ‘major earthquake’: Here’s what that means
A special committee in Japan issued a high alert for a “major earthquake” for the first time in its history in August. CNN’s Hanako Montgomery reports on what this might mean and how likely this could be.
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Study links fault strength to big earthquakes
Located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world, with thousands of small earthquakes occurring each year, and the continuous threat of a “big one.” Currently, predicting when major earthquakes will occur isn’t possible, but by studying the numerous small earthquakes that occur, seismologists in Japan hope to understand more about the processes in the Earth’s crust that lead to major quakes.
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New And Old Buildings Face Threat From Earthquake Faults
Should new construction be allowed on top of active earthquake faults? And, what about the thousands of structures already perched upon these fearsome fissures?
These questions have played out in Hollywood and other parts of the Southland in recent years, where a worrisome weave of active faults snakes its way through many communities.
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Commercial Retrofitting
The Optimum Seismic team has been one of the leading engineering and construction companies dealing with earthquake retrofits and renovations in California since 1984. We are available to help with analysis or construction of your project.
Contact Optimum Seismic to set up your complimentary property assessment today. Call (833) 978-7664
Developer Ali Sahabi Gets Public-Private Impact Award From Bizfed
Over the past three decades, Public-Private Partnerships and cooperation have helped transform much of Southern California by promoting sustainable and resilient communities, inspiring clean and green technologies.
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