Scotts Mill Quake Remembered, March 25

On March 25th, 1993, a magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck Scotts Mills, Ore., causing approximately $30 million in damage that included Molalla High School, a Mount Angel church, and the Capitol rotunda in Salem. It remains the most destructive quake in terms of property loss in Oregon’s history. Oregon is susceptible to earthquakes being seismically active with both crustal faults and the Cascadia Subduction Zone. “The Scotts Mills earthquake was really a wake-up call about our state’s vulnerability to earthquakes,” says Interim State Geologist Ian Madin. “Earthquakes can and do happen everywhere in Oregon, and we need to be prepared throughout the state.” The Oregon Office of Emergency Management (OEM), and the Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) recommend preparing in advance for earthquakes and other hazards. “Oregonians should plan to be self-sufficient for at least two-weeks after a major earthquake,” said Dr. Althea Rizzo, geologic hazards coordinator for the Oregon Office of Emergency Management. Some of the recommended preparation activities include developing and practicing an emergency plan, getting a kit, and practicing earthquake drills. OEM will be conducting a social media campaign until March 26 for people to share where they were, at 5:34 a.m., on March 25, 1993. Join the conversation on twitter @OregonOEM #ScottsMillsEQ, or on facebook at http://goo.gl/M6Qeak to participate. The top three stories will win an emergency preparedness kit.