In a recent meeting of the House Technology, Economic Development, and Veterans Committee, significant discussions centered around the earthquake risks posed by unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings in Washington State. With the state facing the second highest earthquake risk in the United States, behind California, officials emphasized the urgent need to address the vulnerabilities of these structures.

The meeting highlighted the three types of earthquakes that threaten Washington: the Cascadia Subduction Zone quake, deep fault earthquakes like the Nisqually quake of 2001, and crustal faults that are closer to the surface. The Cascadia event, which last occurred in 1700, could result in extensive shaking lasting up to six minutes, potentially crippling the state's economy for a decade. Meanwhile, the Nisqually quake, a magnitude 6.8 event, serves as a reminder of the damage that can occur even with less severe earthquakes.

Officials pointed out that URM buildings are particularly susceptible to collapse during seismic events. Damage from past earthquakes has shown that even adjacent buildings can be affected if one suffers significant structural failure. This interconnected risk underscores the importance of assessing and reinforcing URM structures to protect public safety and economic stability.

Alice Zeila from the Department of Commerce reported on ongoing efforts to inventory URM buildings across the state, a project initiated with a $200,000 appropriation in 2018. This inventory aims to identify at-risk structures and inform future policy decisions regarding earthquake preparedness and building safety.

The discussions at this meeting reflect a growing recognition of the need for proactive measures to mitigate earthquake risks in Washington. As the state prepares for inevitable seismic events, the focus on URM buildings will be crucial in safeguarding communities and ensuring resilience in the face of natural disasters. The committee's next steps will likely involve further research and potential legislative action to address these pressing concerns.