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A study warns of a mega tsunami up to 1,000 feet high if a strong earthquake strikes the Cascadia fault, threatening US coastal cities with catastrophic flooding
According to recent research, there’s a 15% chance of an earthquake of 8.0 magnitude in the next 50 years, which could trigger 1,000-foot waves along the coast. (AI Generated)
Scientists from Virginia Tech have raised grave concerns about a potential mega tsunami, which could be triggered by a major earthquake in the Cascadia subduction zone. Stretching from northern Vancouver Island to California, this fault line poses a significant seismic threat to the United States.
According to recent research, there is a 15% chance of an earthquake of 8.0 magnitude or higher occurring in this region within the next 50 years. Should such a quake occur, waves reaching as high as 1,000 feet could batter coastal regions, including cities such as Seattle, Portland, and even parts of Alaska and Hawaii. These waves could travel several miles inland, overwhelming defences and leaving very little time for evacuation.
What Is A Mega Tsunami?
Unlike regular tsunamis, which typically produce waves a few feet in height, a mega tsunami results in waves hundreds or even thousands of feet high. These towering waves are typically triggered by significant marine events, such as earthquakes, undersea landslides, or volcanic eruptions.
The Cascadia Subduction Zone stretches approximately 700 miles, from northern Vancouver Island down to Cape Mendocino in California, marking it as the most seismically active region in North America.
Cascadia’s Volatile History
In the past 10,000 years, 43 major earthquakes have been recorded in this zone. The most recent occurred on January 26, 1700, a magnitude 9.0 quake that caused substantial coastal subsidence and a devastating tsunami. According to Tina Dura, lead author of the study, such an event today would result in extensive coastal flooding, with recovery likely to be long and arduous.
Southern Washington, northern Oregon, and northern California are expected to bear the brunt of the damage, with Alaska and Hawaii also facing serious risk. Mega tsunami waves could penetrate several miles inland, breaching coastal defences and leaving residents with very little time to evacuate.
A Global Reminder: Lessons From India
The Oregon Emergency Management Department has cautioned that another 9.0 magnitude earthquake, accompanied by a tsunami reaching 100 feet in height, could again strike the coast. Countries like India, which suffered over 200,000 deaths during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, understand all too well the potential scale of devastation.
This research reinforces the critical need for robust disaster management strategies and preparedness in coastal areas globally. Ensuring both technical and community-level readiness is vital in mitigating the catastrophic effects of rare but devastating events like mega tsunamis.
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