Emergency agencies hold earthquake drill

The Kentucky Division of Emergency Management reports organizations in the state took part in the "Great Central U.S. ShakeOut" drill this morning.

Scientists say earthquakes can strike western Kentucky and Tennessee at any time and steps need to be taken to prepare residents.

The drill is part of "Earthquake Awareness Week" proclaimed by Governor Steve Beshear. It has been almost 200 years exactly since a series of major earthquakes devastated this region when the New Madrid fault was at its most unstable point in recorded history.

Earthquakes similar to those today would likely kill thousands and do untold damage as the region was only sparsely populated in the early 1800’s.

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02/07/2012/am