Origin time 19:55:44 UTC Magnitude 6.7 Mw | Duration ~ 20 s Depth 50 km (31 mi) | |
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Date April 13, 1949 (1949-04-13) Areas affected Puget Sound regionWashingtonUnited States | ||
The 1949 Olympia earthquake occurred on April 13 at 12:55:44 local time with a moment magnitude of 6.7 and a maximum Mercalli Intensity of VIII (Severe). The shock was located in the area between Olympia and Tacoma, and was felt throughout the state, as well as parts of Oregon, British Columbia, Idaho, and Montana. It is the largest recorded earthquake to occur in the Puget Sound region of Washington. Eight people were killed and many were injured.
DamageEdit
Damage in Olympia from the earthquake was estimated between $500,000 and $1 million by Governor Arthur B. Langlie. Eight buildings on the State Capital campus were damaged by the earthquake, as well as the Old Capitol Building in downtown Olympia.
Total damage from the earthquake are estimated at $25 million.