FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – August 23, 2012 marks the one year anniversary of the M5.8 earthquake that was centered in Louisa County, Virginia. This quake was felt in nearly every state on the eastern coast of the U.S., and caused an estimated $200-300 million in damage. This earthquake resulted in –
$75 million in damages in Louisa County, Virginia
Extensive damage to the National Cathedral (more than $15 million in damages)
Temporary closing of the Washington Monument (closed until 2014)
To commemorate the anniversary, CUSEC is pleased to partner with the Commonwealth of Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and the National Park Service (NPS) to hold a press conference at the Washington Monument. This event comes on the heels of National Preparedness Month, an effort to engage the public in disaster preparedness activities. At the press conference, senior government officials will discuss –
Lingering effects of the earthquake and progress made in rebuilding and recovery efforts
Current understanding of earthquake threat and likelihood of future events
Participation in a regional/national “ShakeOut” earthquake drill involving millions of people
Click here to download the full press release.
WHERE Grassy area facing the Washington Monument in between 14th and 15th streets
WHEN August 23, 2012 from 10:30AM – 11:00AM
WHO Confirmed senior government officials speaking at this press conference include:
Brett Burdick, Deputy Director, Virginia Dept. of Emergency Management
Chris Geldart, Director, District of Columbia Homeland Security and EMA
Tim Manning, Deputy Administrator, FEMA
David L. Miller, Associate Administrator, FEMA
Marcia McNutt, Director, US Geological Survey
Jim Wilkinson, Executive Director, Central U.S. Earthquake Consortium
Bob Vogel, Superintendent, National Mall and Memorial Parks, National Park Service
CONTACT Brian Blake, Central U.S. Earthquake Consortium
bblake@cusec.org / (901)544-3570
NOTES All media are invited to attend; press packets will be made available. Side interviews will be allowed following the press conference. Audio mult box will be provided.
Limited parking for microwave or satellite trucks is on eastbound Jefferson Drive between 14th and 15th Streets in the far left-hand lane. Parking is on a first-come, first-serve basis, and is not guaranteed. There is room for a maximum of six live vehicles parked bumper to bumper. There is no room for any news crew cars or personal vehicle parking in this area. Suggested parking for crew/personal vehicles is on Jefferson Drive east of 14th Street.
