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The Klamath Falls, Oregon, earthquakes on September 20, 1993

Earthquakes & Volcanoes (USGS)
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Abstract

The strongest earthquake to strike Oregon in more than 50 yrs struck the southern part of the State on September 20, 1993. These shocks, a magnitude 5.9 earthquake at 8:28pm and a magnitude 6.0 earthquake at 10:45pm, were the opening salvo in a swarm of earthquakes that continued for more than three months. During this period, several thousand aftershocks, many strong enough to be felt, were recorded by seismographs.

The mainshocks caused light moderate damage at Klamath Falls, a town of about 18,000 residents located only about 20 km east of the epicentral area. Damage included toppled chimneys, cracked masonry, and fallen parapets. Power outages occurred after the strongest shocks. In addition, strong shaking broke water mains, and landslides temporarily blocked highways. the earthquakes also caused two fatalities. A rockfall crushed an automobile, killing a motorist, and an elderly lady had a heart attack. the low population density in the epicentral area- less than five people per sq km- kept the toatl dollar loss to about 7.5 million dollars. 

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title The Klamath Falls, Oregon, earthquakes on September 20, 1993
Series title Earthquakes & Volcanoes (USGS)
Volume 24
Issue 3
Year Published 1993
Language English
Publisher U.S Geological Survey
Description 43 p.
First page 104
Last page 146
Country United States
State Oregon
Other Geospatial Klamath Falls
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
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