USING HAZUS TO DETERMINE THE EXTENT OF DAMAGE TO CHARLESTON COUNTY, SC, RESULTING FROM A 5.5 MAGNITUDE OFFSHORE EARTHQUAKE

On November 11, 2002 there was a 4.4 magnitude earthquake offshore of Charleston County, SC. The epicenter’s location was approximately 17 miles south of Kiawah Island. While this earthquake was not large enough to cause substantial damage the event provides evidence that a larger earthquake could occur in this area. Based on an understanding of regional historic earthquakes, a 5.5 magnitude earthquake or greater, has the potential of occurring in this area. Higher magnitude earthquake have the potential to cause widespread damage in the Charleston area. FEMA’s HAZUS-MH program will be utilized to determine the damage to transportation systems such as highway bridges and port facilities, as well as how well the Charleston County hospitals will function immediately after the earthquake, and to assess the length of time residents can expect to be without power. This assessment will be useful to the needs and responses for a probable earthquake hazard in the Charleston area.