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Missourians reminded how to respond in case of a major earthquake in the New Madrid Seismic Zone
JEFFERSON CITY – Southeast Missouri is home to the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ), which generated some of the most powerful earthquakes ever to jolt the nation. A series of major quakes occurred in 1811-12, destroying buildings, ringing church bells hundreds of miles away, and briefly causing the Mississippi River to run backward. The area is still active today, with an average of more than 200 earthquakes each year, though many are too small to be felt.
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To remind Missourians of the earthquake risk, Missouri observes Earthquake Awareness Month each February to emphasize the very real risk of more catastrophic earthquakes occurring in the NMSZ. While no one can predict exactly when an earthquake will occur, scientists agree that large earthquakes in this zone still pose a risk.