Tragic Tsunami Occuring In The US?

The Cascadia Subduction Zone, ranging from Northern California to British Columbia, lines a huge fault system marked with volcanoes. The last major earthquake along this fault was recorded on January 26, 1700 which produced a record-breaking tsunami. Yumei Wang, geotechnical engineer for the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries, worries that the next earthquake could be sometime very soon. Wang says this massive tsunami will ultimately flood the Pacific Northwest which will destroy unprotected homes and cause many casualties. The area is a prime region for the next earthquake-triggered tsunami, probably growing up to 50 ft. or more in a mere time of 10-20 seconds.

To try to help this region, Wang has been working hard. She has talked with public officials about setting up evacuation buildings up and down the Northwest coast. These buildings will be made of reinforced concrete, a deep foundation, strong columns, an 18-foot tall first floor and many other safety precautions. Also, she believes it is a good idea to raise awareness as well. She presented a session called “Risks and Realities: Current Advances in Understanding Societal Risk and Resilience to Natural Hazards” in Portland, Oregon. However, all these measures will be costly; the added cost could be between 1-2 million dollars.

Although expensive, I think Yumei Wang definitely has the right idea in mind. This could ultimately change the course of history of the U.S. and people should be informed. Any precautions that could be done now positively should be. There are many ways, like the evacuation buildings, that could save thousands of lives. I don’t think people really realize the severity of something like a tsunami. Many Americans don’t think anything could actually happen to them until something tragic occurs. But, the money put towards this is definitely worth it in everyway. Wang says the quake could occur tomorrow or in a couple years; it’s simply up to fate.

Geological Society of America (2009, October 28). Tsunami Evacuation Buildings: Another Way to Save Lives In The Pacific Northwest.