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Cascadia anniversary reminds Oregonians to be earthquake ready - KOBI-TV NBC5 / KOTI-TV NBC2
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Cascadia mega-quake anniversary good reminder to be earthquake-ready
9.0-magnitude shock hit off the coast on Jan. 26, 1700
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) The 600-mile fault line of the Cascadia Subduction Zone runs from northern California to British Columbia, bringing with it potential danger of devastation to communities along the West Coast by the effects of a high-magnitude earthquake and resulting tsunamis.
Although it’s been 321 years since the last Cascadia event, and the chances are far and few between, 2020 reminded us that anything can happen and to be prepared for the unexpected.
“Oregon is one of the most earthquake-prone areas in the continental United States, and over the years, we have had many quakes – large and small,” said Althea Rizzo, geologic hazards program coordinator for Oregon’s Office of Emergency Management.
A hillside scorched by the Holiday Farm Fire, near Waldport, Oregon.
This year’s wildfires have left a lingering hazard: burn scars and compromised soil. This means potential flooding and landslides throughout the winter.
Heavy snow and rain will make for soggy conditions across the region. For places like the McKenzie River Corridor, burned by the Holiday Farm Fire this year, the soil has been stripped of its ability to absorb moisture.
Althea Rizzo, geologic hazards program coordinator for the Oregon Office of Emergency Management, said mud, boulders and trees could collapse in steep areas.
“We don’t have an alarm system for these types of debris flows,” Rizzo said. “So just keep an eye on the hillsides. And they’re frequently preceded by cracking branches and loud pops. Those root systems are starting to break and crack. Make sure that you have a grab and go bag, ready to go in case something happens.”
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KLCC s Brian Bull talks to an emergency official on hazards presented by damp winter weather combined with fire-damaged hillsides and waterways.
Heavy snow and rain will make for soggy conditions across the region. For places like the McKenzie River Corridor which was ravaged by the Holiday Farm Fire this year, the soil has been stripped of its ability to absorb moisture.
Althea Rizzo, geologic hazards program coordinator for the Oregon Office of Emergency Management, says mud, boulders, and trees could collapse in steep areas.
“We don’t have an alarm system for these types of debris flows. So just keep an eye on the hillsides. And they’re frequently preceded by cracking branches and loud pops. Those root systems are starting to break and crack. Make sure that you have a grab and go bag, ready to go in case something happens.”
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