Small earthquake hits Yarrow Point

By Lindsay Larin

Bellevue Reporter

A small earthquake shook the Yarrow Point area shortly after midnight on Monday, June 16.

The Pacific Northwest Seismic Network at the University of Washington Department of Earth and Space Sciences reported a micro earthquake at 12:47 a.m. with a magnitude of 2.3. Another micro earthquake with a magnitude of 1.0 shook the ground in the same area around 4 p.m. the day prior. According to Seismology Lab Coordinator Bill Steele, it is not unusual to have small earthquakes around this size in and around the Puget Sound.

Although the small quakes occurred within the boundaries of the Seattle fault zone that runs from Hood Canal to the Issaquah Hills, Steele said they are not necessarily a direct indication of a larger, more significant to come.

"It's difficult to really know," he said, in regards to predicting when a major earthquake will hit. "The micro earthquakes are something we watch in this area and it does remind us that we do live in a earthquake-hazardous zone."

In case of major earthquake, every family should have an emergency kit prepared that includes enough water and food for every person and pet that would last three days to a week, said Steele. He also advised having a family plan and a contact outside of the region or state.

"It's important to have a contact outside of your local area because when an earthquake hits, all the circuits will be tied up or down and you won't be able to reach anyone locally," Steele explained.

For more information on emergency preparedness resources and services in Bellevue visit http://www.ci.bellevue.wa.us/emergency_preparedness.htm.

Lindsay Larin can be reached at llarin@reporternewspapers.com or 425-453-4602.

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