There is a 25 to 40 percent probability that an earthquake registering slightly more than a 6 magnitude could strike in this region the next 40 to 50 years.

Those were sobering statistics delivered by earthquake specialist Harvey Henson Jr., a professor of geology at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, who was guest speaker Thursday at an Earthquake Forum in the Williamson County Administration Building.

"We have the most seismic active region east of the Rockies. It's something worth talking about," Henson said during his presentation that included short videos about earthquake preparedness and what to do if a major seismic eruption occurs.

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