CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Earthquake experts from across the region will gather in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, for the seventh annual Earthquake Summit. Located in southeast Missouri, Cape Girardeau is in the heart of the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ).
With more than 500 professionals expected to attend, the event has grown into one of the largest in the country focusing on earthquake preparedness, response and recovery. Scientists, planners, researchers and emergency responders will lead sessions focused on the latest earthquake geology, best practices in planning and response, transportation technologies, hospital and health services, communication strategies, insurance challenges and more.
A highlight of this year’s summit is the first look at new data showing potential local earthquake impacts throughout the NMSZ. Using the latest analysis and an interactive database developed by the Central U.S. Earthquake Consortium, projected impacts for bridges, hospitals, utilities and other critical facilities, as well as injuries, fatalities and economic impacts, will be available for a variety of locations and quake magnitude levels. The data will be available to local officials and the public through an easy-to-use website.
The NMSZ is the most active seismic zone in the U.S. east of the Rocky Mountains, averaging more than 200 small earthquakes each year. In 1811-1812, it produced some of the strongest earthquakes ever felt in North America. While no one can predict exactly when an earthquake will occur, scientists agree that large earthquakes in this zone still pose a risk. A major quake could cause shaking and damage for hundreds of miles in every direction, including the cities of St. Louis and Memphis.
2025 Earthquake Summit
WHEN Thursday, March 18
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
WHERE: Osage Centre
1625 N. Kingshighway
Cape Girardeau, Mo.
MEDIA: Open
See the complete agenda: