Earthquakes
Blytheville, Arkansas Earthquake Awareness Oct. 11–17: Historic M7.5 Shaking
BLYTHEVILLE, Ark. — The farmland stretching across northeastern Arkansas sits within a region capable of producing powerful earthquakes, including one that devastated parts of the Mississippi Valley m
By Mara Ellison · 2026-10-12T00:48:47.026Z
BLYTHEVILLE, Ark. — The farmland stretching across northeastern Arkansas sits within a region capable of producing powerful earthquakes, including one that devastated parts of the Mississippi Valley more than two centuries ago.
As earthquake awareness activities continue through Oct. 17, emergency officials are urging Arkansas residents to prepare for a hazard that often receives less attention than tornadoes and severe thunderstorms.
The New Madrid Seismic Zone extends into northeastern Arkansas, placing communities including Blytheville, Jonesboro, Manila and Marked Tree near an active earthquake producing fault system.
On Dec. 16, 1811, a massive earthquake estimated at magnitude 7.5 struck northeastern Arkansas. The shaking damaged early settlements, collapsed structures and triggered widespread soil liquefaction.
Liquefaction occurs when water saturated ground loses strength during intense shaking. Roads, foundations and other structures can suffer serious damage when the soil beneath them shifts or settles.
Arkansas has experienced additional significant earthquakes since that historic disaster.
The Arkansas Geological Survey documents an estimated magnitude 6.0 earthquake near Marked Tree in 1843 and a magnitude 5.0 earthquake in Poinsett County in 1976.
The latter event damaged buildings and disrupted telephone service in portions of northeastern Arkansas.
The region's earthquake history is receiving renewed attention ahead of the Great Central U.S. ShakeOut on Thursday, Oct. 15.
The drill begins at 10:15 a.m. local time. Arkansas emergency officials reported more than 29,000 statewide registrations as of Oct. 1.
Participants will practice dropping to the floor, covering their heads and necks beneath sturdy furniture and holding on until shaking stops.
Residents should also identify safe areas inside their homes, secure unsecured furniture and establish family communication plans.
Although scientists cannot predict exactly when a major earthquake will occur, the New Madrid region remains seismically active.
For northeastern Arkansas communities, the week's preparedness activities offer a reminder that earthquake risks remain beneath a landscape that often appears perfectly still.