The New York City Earthquake of 1884.

[NQ6U]

The problem isn't the magnitude. We had a quake in Quebec that shook us at about a 5, it's the old style buildings that will crack like an egg. The average building is brick and mortar and will literally fall apart in seconds if it goes over a 5. They'll have at least a 5 if things go as they have and they are overdue by 2 decades at this point. The longer it takes, the stronger the quake will likely be.

All true. In California, we've had seismic safety requirements in the building codes for decades now, including mandatory retrofitting for older public buildings. As new data comes in after a major 'quake, the codes are revised and, as a result, we're in a better position to withstand a shaking than the east coast. Things still fall down during earthquakes but not as many before.

[N2NH]

All true. In California, we've had seismic safety requirements in the building codes for decades now, including mandatory retrofitting for older public buildings. As new data comes in after a major 'quake, the codes are revised and, as a result, we're in a better position to withstand a shaking than the east coast. Things still fall down during earthquakes but not as many before.

All very good ideas. They have belatedly implemented similar codes here now, but few buildings actually have them. I'd hate to see what happens to the Subways. Most are cut and cover tunnels which means they afford little protection as many are just under the street. Those that don't collapse will probably become tombs.

One other consideration, one which affects me even if I don't live there anymore. Unlike West Coast quakes, quakes east of the Mississippi River tend to be felt hundreds of miles away. I actually felt the Cheesequake, NJ earthquake miles away in Harlem, upper Manhattan. That has to be 30 to 40 miles away and it was a 3.5 IIRC. I've heard that some fairly big earthquakes in Calif
aren't felt a mile or so away.