Berry, Group Work Together For Quake Preparedness

Arkansas Congressman Marion Berry and others have formed a working group to prepare the New Madrid fault region for a possible earthquake. Berry says the country cannot afford to let another natural disaster catch everyone off guard. The New Madrid faults extend from southern Illinois into northeast Arkansas. In 1811 and 1812, powerful earthquakes shook the South, forming Tennessee's Reelfoot lake and causing the Mississippi River to run backward.

The New Madrid Earthquake Congressional Working Group will help develop emergency plans and improve regional communication in case of an earthquake. Members include Jo Ann Emerson of Missouri, Roger Wicker of Mississippi, Harold Ford Junior of Tennessee, and John Tanner of Tennessee.

Berry's office says the group doesn't yet have dedicated funds, and that will be one of the first steps.