Could a Tsunami Hit the Pacific Northwest?

If you enjoy vacationing at the Beaches on the Pacific Northwest coast, be aware of the potential warning signs for a Tsunami. As we learned in the post, Tsunami-Like waves Hit New Jersey, three people were swept into the ocean. Also, the devastating Tsunami that hit Thailand, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka in 2004 took the lives of many. From these events we learn, if ever a tide drops, get to high ground immediately because it will roar back with a vengeance and you can’t outrun it. But how do these events relate to vacationing in the Pacific Northwest? Researchers at National Geographic believe that the rupture of the Cascadia Fault line in the Pacific Northwest in 1700 may have created a massive earthquake and tsunami in Japan that same year. According to the New York Daily News, reports from seismologists suggest that geologically, “Oregon and Japan are mirror images.” The similarity of these two regions has caused the Oregon legislature concern after the devastating effects of the 2011 Tsunami in Japan. Since history has indicated that the fault lines of Japan and the Pacific Northwest are linked, the Oregon legislature believes that a large magnitude earthquake in Japan could potentially create an earthquake in the Pacific Northwest. For centuries, Native American tribes located along the coast have passed down oral histories illustrating the impact of the 8.5 magnitude earthquake and tsunami that devastated regions of Oregon, Washington, California, and British Columbia in 1700. Currently, the Oregon legislature is trying to get Oregon residents to prepare for a potential natural disaster. Many seismologists believe that an earthquake and tsunami of the same magnitude as the 1700 quake is long overdue and will affect the Pacific Northwest again. However, the legislature realizes that they have a long way to go to adequately prepare its citizens for a potential earthquake of this magnitude. Many areas in the Pacific Northwest are working on getting their buildings up to code. However, Maree Wacker, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross of Oregon, believes that while the state is making great preparations for its citizens, “Oregonians as individuals are underprepared.” Although the potential date of the rupture of the Cascadia Fault line is uncertain, now is the time to prepare for the potential dangers associated with a major earthquake and tsunami. Create emergency plans and have emergency supplies on hand (such as emergency kits and food storage). Remain informed on updates and news related to these potential natural disasters. For more information on Tsunami and Earthquake preparedness: /insight/6880/earthquakes/ /blog/4819/get-ready-to-shake-out-free-download-about-earthquake-preparedness/ To read more about amazing the history of the Cascadia Fault Line check out these links: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/report-chilling-forecast-northwest-quake-article-1.1289429