A series of earthquakes in Turkey and Syria resulted in over 50,000 fatalities, according to the United Nations. These events remind us of the potential danger of earthquakes, especially for cities like San Diego. San Diego City is located close to the San Andreas Fault and the Rose Canyon Fault, part of the larger San Andreas Fault system, and the Southern California Earthquake Center suggests there is a 75% chance of a 7.0 magnitude earthquake occurring in Southern California in the next 30 years and a 36% chance of a 7.5 magnitude earthquake. The last relatively larger magnitude earthquake on the Rose Canyon Fault Zone was in the mid-1700s, according to geological studies. The Earthquake Engineering Research Institute conducted a model to assess the damages of a 6.9 magnitude earthquake on the Rose Canyon Fault and estimated it would cause $38 billion in building and infrastructure damages and several hundred casualties.

Many San Diego residents are not fully prepared for a major earthquake, as expressed by Estevan Garza, a second-year international studies major at Point Loma Nazarene University. While the California and San Diego governments have taken steps to prepare for and mitigate its potential impact, there are still gaps in preparedness among residents, including university students. While some universities like the University of San Diego and the University of Southern California participate in annual earthquake drills, others like Point Loma Nazarene University do not offer sufficient training.

The recent earthquake events have reignited concerns about earthquake preparedness in the area. However, it's important to note that earthquakes can occur in many regions, including Seattle, which is located in a seismically active zone. Therefore, it's essential for Seattle residents to take steps to prepare for the same potential earthquake.

Seattle sits on the Cascadia subduction zone, which is a tectonic plate boundary that stretches from Northern Vancouver Island to Northern California. The area has experienced several large earthquakes in the past, including the magnitude 9.0 Cascadia earthquake in 1700, which caused a tsunami that devastated coastal communities.

Given this history, it's vital for Seattle residents to have an earthquake preparedness plan in place, which should include securing heavy objects, creating emergency supply kits, and identifying safe places to take shelter. It's also essential to have a basic understanding of what to do during an earthquake, such as drop, cover, and hold on.

In summary, while the recent earthquake events are a reminder of the importance of earthquake preparedness, it's crucial for not only for San Diego residents but all Pacific Northwest residents to be proactive and take steps to prepare for a potential earthquake given their proximity to a seismically active zone.