Report: Seismologists, Disaster Experts at USGS Offices Among those Furloughed During Federal Shutdown, Will Not Take Part in 'Great California Shakeout'

Thirty seismologists and other disaster experts at USGS offices in Pasadena are among federal workers idled by the 13-days-and-counting federal government shutdown, it was reported Sunday.

KNX radio also reported Oct. 13 the USGS is down to a skeleton crew monitoring seismographs and other electronic equipment at USGS offices in Golden, Colo.

Spokesman Dave Applegate told the station that USGS employees will not participate in Thursday's "Great California Shakeout" earthquake drill, unless Washington first solves the lockout logjam.

Reported by City News Service in Los Angeles