How Seattle withstood a 6.8 earthquake without disaster

By Ilan Kelman

Key points

• Major earthquakes do not need to become disasters, as shown by Seattle's preparedness for their 6.8 quake in 2001.
• Since 1971 the Seattle region had fostered an "earthquake readiness culture" by upgrading building structures and giving emergency training.
• An earthquake 100 times stronger than a 6.8 is expected in the Seattle area at some point, making long-term planning still crucial.

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How could a major earthquake not lead to a major earthquake disaster? The answer is straightforward: long-term risk reduction through preparation, planning, and damage mitigation.

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The good news covered more than infrastructure. Since 1971, Seattle and the area around it had focused on a readiness culture, training residents for emergencies. Free CPR training alongside public defibrillators continually saved lives.

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