Earthquakes Continue in Georgia, Near Buford Dam on Lake Lanier
A series of earthquakes has continued to shake an area of Georgia northeast of Atlanta, near the Buford Dam on Lake Lanier. The most recent event, a magnitude 3.3 earthquake, occurred on Wednesday, March 8th, 2023, at 9:47 p.m. According to the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS), there have been over 70 earthquakes in the area since January 1st, 2023. The largest earthquake to date, a magnitude 4.1 event, occurred on January 18th. The earthquakes are occurring in a known seismic zone, but the frequency and intensity of recent events have raised concerns among residents and local authorities. “We are closely monitoring the situation and working with experts to determine the cause of these earthquakes,” said GEMA/HS Director Jim Butterworth. “We encourage residents to be prepared for the possibility of additional seismic activity.” Geologists are studying the area to determine if the earthquakes are related to human activity, such as hydraulic fracturing for natural gas, or if they are caused by natural geological processes. While most of the earthquakes have been minor and have not caused any significant damage, some residents have reported feeling shaking and hearing rumbling noises. “It’s a little scary,” said resident Lisa Davis. “I’ve never experienced anything like this before.” Local officials have advised residents to take precautions, such as securing furniture and having an emergency plan in place. The Buford Dam and Lake Lanier remain operational and are being monitored closely for any potential risks. The Georgia Geological Survey is providing updates and information about the earthquakes on its website: https://ggs.georgia.gov/earthquakes-seismologyEarthquakes Near Buford Dam Raise Concerns
Earthquakes Near Buford Dam Raise Concerns
A series of three earthquakes has occurred in recent days near Buford Dam on Lake Lanier, Georgia, raising concerns among residents. The first earthquake, with a magnitude of 2.5, struck on June 6th. Two subsequent earthquakes, with magnitudes of 2.1 and 2.3, followed on June 7th and 8th, respectively. Over 300 reports of tremors have been submitted to the USGS. The epicenters of the earthquakes are located within 1,500 meters of each other, near the southern shore of Lake Lanier. The depths of the epicenters vary between 2.3 and 8.5 kilometers. The earthquakes occurred in an area not known for seismic activity, and there are no known active faults near the epicenter. Despite the rarity of earthquakes in Georgia, officials advise residents to be aware of the risk, especially in the northern, border, and central-west counties of the state. The Georgia Emergency Management and Home Security Agency (GEMA) recommends taking the following steps to prepare for an earthquake: * Learn the basic steps to take before, during, and after an earthquake. * Stay informed about earthquake risks in your area. * Prepare an emergency kit that includes food, water, first-aid supplies, and a battery-powered radio. * Identify safe places to take cover during an earthquake, such as under a sturdy table or against an interior wall.Earthquakes continue to rattle a region of Georgia northeast of Atlanta, near Buford Dam on Lake Lanier. Since a magnitude 3.9 quake struck on Saturday, October 29, there have been more than 20 additional earthquakes in the area, ranging in magnitude from 1.0 to 2.9. The quakes have caused concern among residents, some of whom have reported feeling their homes shake. However, there have been no reports of damage or injuries. Geologists are still studying the cause of the quakes, but they believe they are likely related to the nearby Buford Dam. The dam was built in the 1950s and has been known to trigger small earthquakes in the past. The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA) is monitoring the situation and advises residents to be prepared for additional earthquakes. Residents should have a plan in place in case of an earthquake, including a safe place to go and a way to contact family members. For more information on earthquake preparedness, please visit the website of the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency at gema.georgia.gov.
