Earthquake Preparedness

Communities across Southern Utah are vulnerable to earthquakes and resulting natural disasters. The Hurricane Fault and Washington Fault are linear lines near the eastern suburbs of St. George. Although relatively distant from these fault lines, Santa Clara is still vulnerable to earthquakes and proceeding disasters, such as landslides, floods, power outages, infrastructure damage, and soil liquefaction.

Landslide
This landslide occurred after a devastating earthquake near Kaikoura, New Zealand. (Photo: ABC News Australia)
Flooding
Flooding is likely to occur after any major earthquake due to a variety of factors. While Santa Clara faces different threats, the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan demonstrates the destructive power water can have. (Photo: The Atlantic)
Power Outage
Power outages are likely to occur following a damaging quake in Southern Utah. This satellite picture shows a blackout covering the entire nation of Nepal following a devastating earthquake. (Photo: Business Insider)
Infrastructure Damage
Following even a minor earthquake, infrastructure damage is likely to occur to public works such as roads, trails, sewage, water, and power. As shown in this image from Blenheim, New Zealand, earthquakes can paralyze communities through road damage. (Photo: The Guardian)
Soil Liquefaction
Soil liquefaction occurs during an earthquake when loose, water-logged soils shake like liquid. This can result in water flooding or soil flooding, as shown in this picture taken after the 2011 Christchurch earthquake in Canterbury, New Zealand. (Photo: Stuff.co.nz)