Earthquakes of the Pacific Northwest

On April 13, 1949 at 12:55 am a earthquake with magnitude of 7.1 hit the Puget Sound and  had last for over 30 seconds. It was felt throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho and British Columbia. It caused over 28 million in damages. Tremors  toppled down buildings , destroyed homes. Over 2000 died and over 8000 were seriously injured.

Pudget Sound  1949 earthquake

 



 

 

April 29, 1965: A 6.5 magnitude, deep earthquake in the south Sound area was felt as far away as Montana and British Columbia,. Chimneys were knocked off of rooftops. . In Downtown Seattle. the space needle swayed back and fourth. Eye witness's said it made a horrific sound and were in fear of it falling.


Downtown Seattle after 1965 quake

Add caption

 

AFTERMATH OF 1965 EARTHQUAKE PUDGET SOUND

Washington Coastline

The last big earthquake to hit Washington. Was in Olympia Washington on Apiril 28, 2001. The earthquake was 6.7 on the rictor scales and felt through out the Pacific Northwest. Damages went into the billions. Scientist predict the big one (as they call it) will come in the next twenty years. The last "Big One" hit January 26, 1700 hitting a magnitude of 9.2. It caused Tsunami that was brought to the shores of Japan causing major flooding, massive damage and death. The coast line sank about five feet in the water. Through counting of the rings in the tress that survived more inland and from the tree stumps in the water who did not. Scientist are able to tell when the earthquake took place.  It is estimated to have been between 1699 -1700. Japan history tells of waves as high as 10 feet hitting on January 27, 1700. Native American legend shares a story of the great earthquake.