PHOENIX — An unusual earthquake hit parts of the East Coast on Friday and another earthquake felt in Taiwan was the strongest quake the country has felt in a quarter century this week. Both events have people in State 48 wondering: When was the last time Arizonans felt an earthquake?
According to the United States Geological Survey, a 3.8 magnitude earthquake hit central Arizona in Yavapai County in July of 2023. It struck an area southeast of Chino Valley and the epicenter was near Center Street and Railroad Avenue.
In May of 2023, the USGS reported an earthquake in northern Arizona. The 3.2 magnitude earthquake struck in Coconino County, near the community of Cameron.
The Arizona Geological Survey website has a list of some Arizona earthquakes, including:
- 1887 Sonoran Earthquake – A 7.6 magnitude earthquake on the Pitaycachi fault near the Arizona-Mexico border, south of Douglas, killed nearly 60 people and was felt widely throughout the Southwest, including in Tucson, Bisbee, Yuma, Phoenix, Prescott, Albuquerque, El Paso, and Sonora, Mexico.
- 1906, 1910, 1912 – Flagstaff Area, 3 moderate-sized earthquakes (magnitude range from 6.0 to 6.2 magnitude) rattled Flagstaff at the turn of the 20th century. These events were widely felt throughout northern Arizona.
- 1976 Prescott/Chino Valley Earthquake – A 5.0 magnitude earthquake occurred near Prescott.
- 1993 Cataract Creek Earthquake Sequence – Several earthquakes occurred in a swarm of events that included a 5.4 magnitude and 5.0 magnitude near Valle, just south of the South Rim, Grand Canyon.
- 2005 – 5.2 magnitude near Holbrook
- 2014 – 5.3 magnitude near Duncan
- 2015 – 4.1 magnitude near Black Canyon City. The quake shook Phoenix and was felt by perhaps millions of people.
Why does Arizona have earthquakes?
While earthquakes don't hit Arizona in the same way they hit neighboring states like California, hundreds of earthquakes occur each year, according to the AZGS. Why haven't you heard about them? AZGS says a majority of them go unnoticed, but every 5 to ten years, a moderate-sized earthquake comes around and reminds Arizonans of the potential for larger earthquakes.
Much of Arizona's earthquake activity occurs in northern Arizona, although some areas in the southeast like Tucson and Safford, as well as areas in the central mountain region like Prescott or Holbrook, also can experience significant earthquake activity, AZGS said.
An earthquake occurs in areas where the crust of the Earth is under stress from plate tectonics, AZGS said. When the rocks break, that's called a fault, and in Arizona, there are approximately 100 faults!
How to prepare for an earthquake
Maricopa County has an earthquake brochure available with resources for before, during and after an earthquake. Here are the takeaways to keep you and your loved ones safe.
Before
- You can visit the AZGS website to view an interactive map of faults in Arizona.
- Develop and practice a disaster plan with your family, including what to do, where to go and how you will communicate during a disaster.
- Create "go bags" for each individual you live with, including pets and consider including one in your vehicle and one at work.
- Prepare an emergency kit that includes resources to stay in your home for up to three days without electricity and running water.
- Prepare your home: If you have shelves or heavy items on the wall, consider fastening them, or moving them away from where people sleep. You can also add latches to cabinets and store heavy, breakable, or flammable materials on bottom shelves.
During
- If you are experiencing an earthquake, and are inside, do not go outside. Drop to the floor, take cover under a sturdy desk or table and cover your head and neck with your arms. Stay away from windows and stay there until the shaking stops.
- If you or a loved one is experiencing an earthquake while in a wheelchair or using a walker, make sure the wheels are locked.
- If you are outside, do not try to go inside. Instead, try to avoid buildings, trees, utility wires or gas lines. Drop to the ground and cover your head and neck with your arms until the shaking stops.
- If you are inside a car, pull over as quickly and as safely as possible. Just like if you are outside when you feel an earthquake, if you are inside of a car, try to avoid buildings, trees, overpasses and utility wires. Don't get out of your car.
After
- After an earthquake, there will likely be aftershocks. When the shaking stops, proceed with caution, and stay away from damaged areas.
- If you are able, help other trapped or injured people. If you are trapped, do not light a match or kick up dust. Cover your mouth and tap on a pipe or wall. Your last resort should be shouting for help.
- If you are driving after an earthquake, drive with caution. There may be traffic light outages, broken utility lines or damaged roadways. If you do see damage, report the issues to authorities right away.
- When entering buildings, proceed with caution. There may be damage that is hidden, particularly in foundations.
- Check your home for damage. Open cabinets cautiously and if you notice any damages to your utilities, turn them off to avoid leaks.
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