The looming threat of earthquake and tsunami on the Northwest Pacific coast

The climatological crisis and natural disasters continue to be a looming threat in the United States, and now the possibility of a major earthquake accompanied by a tsunami in the Northwest Pacific area has emerged. According to a team of scientists, the coast spanning from northern California to Vancouver Island is at risk of experiencing a catastrophic natural event that could have devastating consequences for the region, especially for the city of Washington. Seismologist Diego Melgar from the University of Oregon has raised concerns about the Cascadia subduction fault, which stretches for 1127 kilometers and is only 160 kilometers from the coast. This fault could trigger a magnitude 9.0 earthquake, followed by a tsunami similar to the one that occurred in Japan in 2011, one of the most impactful natural disasters in recent times. In light of these alarming predictions, a call is made to political leaders to take necessary measures to minimize potential damages. Yumei Wang, a senior advisor in infrastructure and risk at Portland State University, has expressed her concern about the lack of preparedness in the United States to face a disaster of this magnitude. Wang emphasizes that political leaders and relevant authorities are not taking the scientists' warnings seriously, which could result in a significant loss of lives if an event occurs on the Cascadia fault. In this context, the response of political leaders and authorities responsible for security and civil protection in the country is eagerly awaited. Scientists have been emphatic in pointing out the need for a significant investment to strengthen the infrastructure in the Northwest Pacific area, especially in the city of Washington, which currently lacks suitable buildings to withstand such a massive earthquake and tsunami. The absence of elevated structures in the capital city is a concerning aspect, given that in past events, like the 2011 tsunami in Japan, these types of buildings were crucial in saving lives. It is imperative that preventive measures are taken and infrastructure investments are made to ensure the safety of the population in the face of the imminent threat of an earthquake and tsunami in the Northwest Pacific region. A proactive approach by authorities is necessary to prepare for potential natural disaster scenarios, considering the seriousness of the situation and the potentially devastating consequences that could arise from an event of this nature in such a vulnerable area as the Northwest Pacific coast. Collaboration between scientists, political leaders, and society as a whole is essential to mitigate the impact of future disasters and protect the lives and property of those residing in these regions exposed to natural risks.