What Was the 2001 Nisqually Earthquake — and Why Does It Still Matter?

The 2001 Nisqually earthquake struck the Seattle region on February 28, 2001, at magnitude 6.8. Because it originated more than 30 miles beneath Puget Sound, the shaking was less destructive than a shallower quake would have been, yet the damage was still extensive. In Pioneer Square and downtown Seattle, older brick buildings cracked and shed masonry into the streets. The Washington State Capitol dome was severely damaged and, according to structural engineers, could have collapsed had the shaking lasted just seconds longer. Total regional losses reached into the billions. Stronger and more damaging earthquakes are very likely in the region’s future.

In the past year, legislation such as HB 1810 sought to establish statewide funding for seismic retrofits of the highest-risk buildings but did not pass. Many known vulnerabilities remain, and progress has often lagged behind the science. Nisqually was a warning. The question is how much will be addressed before the next earthquake tests the region again.