New York, Dec 3 (IANS) – Scientists have raised serious concerns about the looming threat of natural disasters in the Pacific Northwest, particularly from the Cascadia Subduction Zone, a tectonic fault line stretching from Northern California to Canada's Vancouver Island.
Catastrophic Potential
A massive earthquake in the region could cause unprecedented devastation:
Ground-shaking for up to five minutes.
13, 800 deaths and over 100, 000 injuries.
600, 000 buildings damaged or destroyed.
Economic losses estimated at $134 billion, according to a 2022 FEMA report.
Cascadia Subduction Zone: A Hidden Threat
The Cascadia Subduction Zone is where the Juan de Fuca Plate subducts beneath the North American Plate, building immense stress over centuries until it suddenly releases, triggering a megathrust earthquake.
Scientists believe there have been at least 19 major earthquakes in this zone over the past 10, 000 years.
The last major quake, estimated at magnitude 9.0, occurred in 1700, generating a tsunami that reached Japan.
Tsunami Risk
In addition to the earthquake, a tsunami could follow minutes to hours later, engulfing coastal areas.
"A massive earthquake will one day rattle the region. Minutes to hours later, a surge of seawater will swallow the land. No one knows when, " The Washington Post reported, emphasizing the uncertainty and inevitability of the event.
Preparedness Efforts
Experts and agencies like FEMA are working to improve disaster preparedness, including:
Earthquake-resistant infrastructure.
Emergency response plans for local governments and communities.
Public awareness campaigns about the risks and necessary safety measures.
Despite these efforts, the potential for catastrophic loss remains a pressing concern for scientists and policymakers in the region.