Over 1,000 Pacific Northwest Buildings at Risk of Collapse in Major Earthquake
Seattle’s Earthquake Risk: Over 1,100 Vulnerable Buildings Identified
Seattle officials have identified 1,117 buildings at risk of collapse in an earthquake, with vulnerabilities classified as “medium” (72%), “high” (18%), or “critical” (10%). Schools, often built in the late 19th or early 20th century, make up 66% of the “critical” structures. The warnings come on the 60th anniversary of the 1965 magnitude 6.5 earthquake that killed seven people and caused widespread damage. A stronger quake in 2001 (magnitude 6.8) highlighted ongoing risks in the Cascadia Subduction Zone, a hotspot for seismic activity.
[Image: A damaged Seattle street from the 2001 Nisqually earthquake, with bricks scattered near parked cars.]
Why Retrofitting Matters
Amanda Hertzfeld of Seattle’s Department of Construction and Inspections stressed the need to retrofit older buildings—many made of unreinforced brick or concrete—to withstand tremors. Retrofitting involves reinforcing structures with steel to prevent collapse. While Japan uses advanced steel frameworks for earthquake resilience, Seattle lags, with only five of the 1,100 flagged buildings upgraded so far.
[Image: A historic Seattle building undergoing seismic retrofitting with visible steel beams.]
Past Disasters and Current Threats
The 1965 quake destroyed parts of Pioneer Square, and the 2001 event caused over $2 billion in damage. Experts warn that the Cascadia zone could trigger a catastrophic “megathrust” earthquake, akin to Japan’s 2011 disaster. Despite awareness, progress is slow due to costs. Retrofitting a single building can cost millions, and Seattle lacks mandates, relying on voluntary action or grants.
Hertzfeld supports policy solutions like Washington’s stalled House Bill 1810, which proposed tax incentives to ease retrofitting costs. For now, she advises residents to “drop, cover, and hold on” during quakes—escaping unstable buildings risks injury from falling debris.
A Race Against Time
With only five retrofitted buildings and funding challenges, Seattle faces an uphill battle. As tremors grow more frequent, the city’s historic charm could become its Achilles’ heel unless urgent action is taken.
[Image: Workers installing steel reinforcements in a brick building’s structure.]
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