NASHVILLE, Tenn. – If a major earthquake occurred along the New Madrid Seismic Zone, it would likely result in widespread damage in several states, particularly Tennessee. At an emergency management planning meeting at Tennessee Emergency Management Agency Headquarters, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District led discussions during a New Madrid Planning Workshop to prepare for such a catastrophe.
Lt. Col. James A. DeLapp, Nashville District commander, told everyone in attendance that it is important for emergency responders to have a quick response in the first 24 to 48 hours after an event.
According to United States Geological Survey data, “the likelihood of a earthquake with a magnitude [Richter] of 7.0 or greater is 10 percent in the next 40 to 50 years, an earthquake with a lesser magnitude of 6.3 to 6.5, which would still cause significant damage, has a likelihood of 50 percent in the next 50 to 90 years,” said Cecil Whaley, director of plans, mitigation and exercise for the for the Tennessee Emergency Management Team.
“We are here today to talk about and plan the government’s response to the New Madrid Earthquake to save lives, prevent additional property damage, and restore navigation back so we can get the communities back to normal as quickly as possible,” said Tom Howko, regional civil planner for the Great Lakes and Ohio River Division.
“We have to make sure we are ready and do everything possible to make sure we are ready to respond,” said DeLapp.
Liaisons from the Great Lakes and Ohio Rivers Division, Baltimore, Detroit, Pittsburg, Buffalo, New York, Memphis, and Nashville Districts, as well as liaisons from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, USGS, Tennessee Valley Authority, Tennessee Department of Transportation, and TEMA Team, discussed each organization’s capabilities and responsibilities during a response.
“Understanding [each agency’s] capabilities will allow us to work together more effectively, and efficiently accomplish one the largest missions the U.S. will have ever seen,” said Jerry Breznican, Nashville District Emergency Management chief.
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