Portland Shudders After ‘Unprecedented’ Earthquake Swarm

Portland Shudders After ‘Unprecedented’ Earthquake SwarmPortland Shudders After ‘Unprecedented’ Earthquake Swarm Portland, Oregon, has been shaken by an unprecedented earthquake swarm, leaving residents on edge and raising concerns about the city’s seismic resilience. Starting on March 8, 2023, a series of earthquakes began to strike the area, initially centered around the Lloyd District neighborhood. The swarm has continued for several days, with over 100 earthquakes recorded, including two larger events with magnitudes of 3.3 and 3.6. “We’ve never seen anything like this in Portland before,” said Chris Langton, a seismologist with the United States Geological Survey (USGS). “The swarm is unprecedented in terms of its duration and the number of earthquakes in such a confined area.” The largest earthquake in the swarm occurred on Saturday, March 11, causing widespread shaking and prompting thousands of people to report feeling it. The earthquake was also felt in neighboring Washington and Idaho. “It was like a big box had fallen from the ceiling,” said one resident in downtown Portland. “The dishes were rattling, and the pictures on the wall were shaking.” Authorities have urged residents to prepare for the possibility of larger earthquakes and to take precautions such as having an emergency plan in place and keeping essential supplies on hand. Portland is located in an area with a history of seismic activity, and the city has been retrofitted to withstand earthquakes of up to a magnitude of 7.0. However, the recent swarm has raised concerns about the city’s preparedness for more severe earthquakes. “These earthquakes are a reminder that we live in a seismically active area and that we need to be prepared,” said Mayor Ted Wheeler. “We are working closely with emergency responders and scientists to assess the situation and ensure that Portland is ready for any potential future events.” Scientists are still studying the earthquake swarm and are trying to determine what caused it. One theory is that the swarm is related to a nearby fault line that is known to be active. “It’s too early to say for sure, but the earthquakes could be a sign that the fault is moving or under increased stress,” said Langton. “We need to continue monitoring the situation and studying the data to better understand what’s happening.” As the earthquake swarm continues, Portland residents are advised to remain vigilant and to follow safety instructions issued by authorities.