Earthquakes
Mississippi Earthquake Awareness Oct. 11–17: M7.5 Scenario Maps 35 Counties
SOUTHAVEN, Miss. — A powerful earthquake along the New Madrid Seismic Zone could damage tens of thousands of buildings across northern Mississippi, according to a state emergency planning scenario tha
By Claire Benton · 2026-10-12T00:52:06.516Z
SOUTHAVEN, Miss. — A powerful earthquake along the New Madrid Seismic Zone could damage tens of thousands of buildings across northern Mississippi, according to a state emergency planning scenario that highlights the region's vulnerability.
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency's 2024 earthquake response plan examines a hypothetical magnitude 7.5 earthquake affecting the central Mississippi Valley.
The scenario identifies 35 Mississippi counties that could experience significant impacts, including DeSoto, Tunica, Marshall, Tate, Panola, Lee and Alcorn counties.
Under the modeled conditions, approximately 92,225 buildings statewide could sustain damage, including 11,676 that could be destroyed.
Those figures represent a hypothetical disaster planning scenario, not a prediction that such an earthquake will occur.
The potential consequences are receiving renewed attention during the Oct. 11–17 earthquake awareness period, which includes Thursday's Great Central U.S. ShakeOut.
Although relatively few earthquakes originate within Mississippi, the state has a documented history of feeling major earthquakes from neighboring seismic zones.
During the historic New Madrid earthquakes of 1811 and 1812, shaking reached Mississippi's Gulf Coast. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency reports that riverbanks collapsed as far south as Vicksburg.
Northern Mississippi remains particularly exposed because of its proximity to the New Madrid region.
Earthquake waves can travel substantial distances through the central United States, potentially affecting communities well beyond an earthquake's epicenter.
The annual ShakeOut drill begins at 10:15 a.m. local time Thursday, Oct. 15.
Residents are encouraged to practice dropping, covering and holding on while reviewing family emergency plans and household safety measures.
For communities across northern Mississippi, earthquake preparedness also involves planning for interrupted electricity, damaged roads and limited communications following a major disaster.
The state's earthquake planning scenario underscores why emergency officials continue preparing for a low frequency but potentially severe natural hazard.
Scientists cannot predict when a major New Madrid earthquake will occur, making readiness the most practical protection.