Fourth Anniversary Japan Earthquake & Tsunami, March 11

March 11th is the 4-year anniversary of the devastating 9.0 Tohoku Earthqua ke and Tsunami that struck Japan in 2011 causing massive destruction. The disaster claimed nearly 16,000 lives, injured 6,000, and destroyed or damaged countless buildings. Effects of the tsunami were felt along the coast of Oregon and other Western States where waves did damage, and some of the estimated 1.5 million tons of floating debris washed ashore. The anniversary is not only a time to remember the tragic loss of life and property in Japan, but that Oregon must be prepared for a similar geologic hazard threat here, said Cory Grogan, public information officer with the Oregon Office of Emergency Management. The Cascadia Subduction Zone is a dangerous fault posing a significant earthquake hazard on West Coast of the U.S. and Canada. Many of the region’s most highly populated cities including Portland, Oregon, Seattle, Washington, and Vancouver, B.C., would be impacted. “A Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake will affect all parts of Oregon, whether from direct earthquake or tsunami damage or subsequent response and recovery efforts,” said Interim State Geologist Ian Madin, who leads the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries. “We can look to Tohoku as not only an example of what Oregon faces in the future, but also for an example of the type of resilience Oregon needs to aspire to.” Since 2004, Oregon has put emphasis on preparing for its biggest natural threat. The Oregon Seismic Safety Policy Advisory Commission has produced an Oregon Resilience Plan which was furthered by the Oregon Resilience Taskforce. Current legislative session is considering several measures that address seismic issues. The Oregon Office of Emergency Management urges individuals to take action to prepare by knowing about the hazard and having a plan that includes an emergency kit with at least two-weeks of supplies, said Althea Rizzo, Geologic Hazards Program Coordinator. “We know that a major earthquake and tsunami similar to the one that struck of the coast of Japan could hit Oregon at any time,” Rizzo said. To learn more about the threat and what you can do check out “Living on Shaky Ground: How to Survive Earthquakes and Tsunamis in Oregon,” published by Oregon Office Emergency Management. You can also go to the Oregon Office of Emergency Management Preparedness information page at http://www.oregon.gov/OMD/OEM/Pages/preparedness_information.aspx or the Department of Geology and Mineral Industries website at http://www.oregongeology.org. “Prepare now and be your own survival story,” said Rizzo.