Earthquakes
Evansville, Indiana Earthquake Awareness Oct. 11–17: Wabash Valley's M5.2 History
EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Southwestern Indiana remains exposed to earthquake hazards from the Wabash Valley, where a magnitude 5.2 earthquake in 2008 demonstrated how far shaking can travel across the Midwes
By Sophie Caldwell · 2026-10-12T00:51:32.456Z
EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Southwestern Indiana remains exposed to earthquake hazards from the Wabash Valley, where a magnitude 5.2 earthquake in 2008 demonstrated how far shaking can travel across the Midwest.
The earthquake struck near Mount Carmel, Illinois, on April 18, 2008. Residents across Indiana and neighboring states felt the tremor, despite being miles from the epicenter.
That event remains an important reminder as the region approaches Thursday's Great Central U.S. ShakeOut during an Oct. 11–17 earthquake awareness campaign.
Unlike communities along the West Coast, Indiana rarely experiences major destructive earthquakes. However, the state's southwestern counties sit near two recognized seismic regions.
The Wabash Valley Seismic Zone extends through southeastern Illinois and southwestern Indiana, while the New Madrid Seismic Zone creates additional earthquake exposure farther south.
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security identifies both regions as significant earthquake hazards.
Communities including Evansville, Vincennes and Mount Vernon could experience damaging shaking from a sufficiently strong regional earthquake.
Earthquake waves also travel differently through the central and eastern United States, allowing tremors to be felt across much greater distances than many residents might expect.
Thursday's Great ShakeOut begins at 10:15 a.m. local time on Oct. 15.
The annual exercise encourages Indiana families, schools and businesses to practice three basic protective actions: drop to the ground, take cover beneath sturdy furniture and hold on until shaking ends.
State emergency guidance also encourages residents to develop household communication plans and maintain emergency supplies.
A major earthquake could disrupt utilities, transportation and communications across multiple counties, complicating the immediate response.
Although the 2008 Mount Carmel earthquake does not indicate another event is approaching, it established a measurable reminder of the Wabash Valley's seismic potential.
For southwestern Indiana, earthquake preparedness remains relevant even when the ground is quiet.