![]() ![]() Geological Survey testified to Congress in 2014. Beyond revamping its building codes, rebuilding efforts also included conversations about where not to build, as William Leith, senior science advisor for earthquake and geologic hazards at the U.S. ![]() Army Corps of EngineersĪfter 1964, the way Alaska addressed its recovery made earthquake safety part of the national conversation. It trigged major changes in building codes. Storefronts on Anchorage’s Fourth Street plunged below street level due to a landslide during Alaska’s 1964 earthquake. In some places, the signage of businesses are shown resting on the sidewalk in other places, the sidewalk itself dropped 11 feet. Some of the most striking photos of the damage include the collapse of a street in Anchorage’s business district due to a landslide. (Only one earthquake, a 9.5 that hit Chile in 1960, has been stronger worldwide.) The 1964 quake-known as both the Good Friday and Great Alaska earthquake-caused widespread damage that killed over 100 people, including 13 in California due to a tsunami. In 1964, Alaska suffered the strongest earthquake in U.S. Even though Friday’s earthquake struck in a highly populated area, the epicenter was relatively deep-about 25 to 30 miles below the ground-meaning that a lot of its energy was released before it reached the surface.īut the real reason that this earthquake in Alaska was not more destructive can be attributed to one major factor: Updated building requirements which properly reflect the severity of risk. Although some roads were shown completely impassible, with large swaths of asphalt shattered like ice, no bridges or other major pieces of infrastructure were destroyed. Yet no large buildings collapsed, a handful of structure fires were quickly put out, and even though many homes and businesses were damaged, there was no loss of life. Alaska only sees about six hours of daylight this time of year. Worries immediately circulated that snow and freezing temperatures would hamper relief efforts. The shaking began with a sharp jolt and lasted for a minute, causing many people to run outside. local time just eight miles outside of Anchorage, officials braced for the worst. Bill Walker said in a press conference Friday. “Building codes mean something,” Alaska Gov. Yet amazingly, no deaths were reported as a result of the 7.0 quake-a testament to Alaska’s commitment to resilience. A powerful earthquake rocked Anchorage, Alaska, last Friday, sending horrific videos of swaying rooms and fractured roads rippling out across social media. ![]()
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