The Sleeping Giant – Why Arkansas Can’t Afford to Ignore the New Madrid Fault

It's something we don't feel like we need to worry about in Arkansas, but we do. February is National Earthquake Awareness Month, and the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management (ADEM) is reminding us that a major earthquake in Arkansas isn’t just history. It’s a real possibility.

Northeast Arkansas sits near the New Madrid Seismic Zone. According to the ADEM, it is now one of the most active seismic areas in the country. The fault line stretches about 120 miles from northeast Arkansas into Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky and Illinois.

Over the past few years, there have been quite a few earthquakes in Arkansas and nearby states that you would not think would experience earthquakes.

Just last summer, there was a 2.3 earthquake close to Greenbrier, and another in 2024 near Mountain Home. Then there was a 5.1 in Oklahoma that was felt in Arkansas. There was also one in East Texas that was 3.3 magnitude in 2024

Why the New Madrid Seismic Zone Still Matters

History proves just how powerful this fault can be. Between 1811 and 1812, there were series of massive earthquakes that struck in the region. Scientists rank them among the strongest quakes ever recorded east of the Rocky Mountains. Fortunately, Arkansas was not very populated at the time. There were no paved highways or roads, no office buildings, shopping centers or apartments, only a few rural homes. So there was very little damage.

READ MORE: Tuition-Free Outdoor Education at Arkansas Outdoor Academy 

How a Big Earthquake Could Impact Arkansas

Fast forward to today, and we have an infrastructure that could be damaged, and that could be catastrophic.  The loss of property and, yes, lives. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates there is a 7 to 10 percent chance of a similar large-scale earthquake happening again.

There is also a 25 to 40 percent chance of a magnitude 6.0 or greater quake occurring within the next 50 years.

A major New Madrid earthquake could cause widespread damage across multiple states. Even though the fault line is in northeast Arkansas, the central and eastern parts of the state could also experience serious infrastructure damage and utility disruptions.
Because earthquakes strike without warning, ADEM encourages families to take time this month to understand the risk and make a plan.

How to Prepare for an Earthquake

Look for safe spots that are good for “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” in every room, like under strong, sturdy desks or tables and away from windows or heavy objects.

Make a disaster kit that has bottled water, nonperishable food, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, medications, and copies of important documents. You should pack enough supplies to use for at least 72 hours.

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During an Earthquake. Drop to your hands and knees. Cover your head and neck, and get under a sturdy piece of furniture. Hold on until the shaking stops and stay indoors until the shaking ends.

After an Earthquake. Remember, there might be aftershocks. Aftershocks can come minutes to even weeks after the main earthquake.
Be sure to avoid damaged buildings, downed power lines, and visible cracks and shifted ground.