India, Dec. 31 -- A shallow earthquake struck 9 miles (14 km) north of Susanville, California in the United States. The quake had a very shallow depth of 3 km, and shallow earthquakes cause stronger shaking and more noticeable effects.

The USGS, on the other hand, classified the risk of high number of fatalities generated by this earthquake as GREEN (low). They record a 65% chance of 0 to 1 fatalities, and a 96% probability that the number of deaths will be less than or equal to 10.

Similarly, the economic impact is also considered low (GREEN). USGS expects a 65% likelihood of $0-1 million in damages, and a 96% chance that the damage will not exceed $10 million.

According to USGS estimates, it is estimated that about 2.3 million people...