Department of Defense Support to a Catastrophic Event
Abstract
The United States Geological Survey projects that a major earthquake will occur along the San Andreas Fault within the next 20 years. The worst case scenario is an earthquake registering 8.5 or higher on the Richter scale. An earthquake of that magnitude would ravage most of the western coastline and inland states and will be recorded as the worst natural disaster in the history of the United States (U.S.). The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Operations Planning Guide estimates that within 24 hours of the enormous earthquake, the initial fatality count would reach over 5,000 people. San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles, and Phoenix, AZ, four of the top ten populated cities in the United States, would experience considerable amount of damage to critical infrastructure. The Department of Homeland Security estimates that the initial responders would encounter an estimated 570 burning fires, 1.8 million homes without potable water and electricity and over 600,000 people are believed to be left homeless. The economic impact is compared with the more recent Hurricane Sandy and could double in cost with an early low estimate of $120 billion.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA589468
Entities
People
- Spencer L. Smith
Organizations
- United States Army War College