Yeah, there’s a lot of places that are known earthquake areas (like Manhattan Island) that are not anywhere built to the standards of construction that would withstand a likely earthquake. Especially in the New Madrid Zone where buildings built after the last Madrid quake are made out of unreinforced brick.
If or rather when there’s another significant quake there, it won’t be a rude surprise, it’ll be a nightmare for the thousands who will find themselves in brick rubble.
Manhattan , (GULP). I learn something new everyday here. Thanks.
Actualy, when the next big one happens here it will be a nightmare for millions - including Manhattan. (In the 1800’s chimneys toppled in Boston when the New Madrid fault let go!). The thick “softer” sedimentary rocks in the Midwest and East transmit the shock waves better than the “harder” rocks in California.
Plus, much of the oil and gas pipelines running from Texas and Louisiana up to the Northeast would be damaged. Plus bridges, rail lines, etc.