Scientists say chances of big quake are increasing

It was nearly 30 years ago when the Loma Prieta earthquake devastated parts of the Central coast, but some remember it like it was yesterday.

‘”Just everything shaking, the ground was like a roller coaster,” said Donna Garcia.

According to new data from the U.S. Geological Survey, an earthquake of the same magnitude as the Loma Prieta earthquake or higher could happen anytime in the next 30 years in the San Francisco Bay region.

“I can sense it,” said Salinas resident Steve.

“The longer you go without a big earthquake the more likely you are to have one,” said Hartnell College geology instructor Robert Barminski.

Scientists said there is a 72 percent chance that one or more earthquakes could erupt with a magnitude of 6.7 or higher. Barminski said the Central Coast would definitely experience moderate to severe shaking from traveling seismic waves.

“We’re talking about earthquakes that can cause billions of dollars of damage to infrastructure and to people’s homes,” said Barminski.

Scientists say the San Andreas fault, which runs through the Central Coast is the area’s biggest and most hazardous fault with a 22 percent chance of an earthquake, a fairly high probability.

“When segments of that go, it generates the largest earthquakes,” said Barminski.

“I’m scared to death of earthquakes,” said Garcia.

Scientists advise your best defense is to be prepared.

“I’m not even prepared, never have been,” said Garcia.

Having a response plan along with food, water and emergency kits are just a few ways to help recover from a large quake.

“I got canned foods, crackers, water,” said Steve.

“You can have however much food and water, but I don’t think anybody could ever be prepared,” said Garcia.

The San Gregorio fault was also listed in the study. There is a six percent chance of an earthquake striking along the fault line which runs through the Monterey Bay.

ORIGINAL STORY: Scientists say the chances of an earthquake of 6.7 or greater are increasing in the Bay Area, and big quakes would send huge seismic waves to the Central Coast.

A new study reveals a 72% chance of that happening in the next 30 years.

Maya Holmes is speaking with a local geologist who says people on the Monterey Peninsula should heed the warning and be prepared. The full story at 5 and 6 p.m..