How Oregonians and state agencies are preparing for the next ‘Big One’

Jan. 26 marks the 324th anniversary of the last Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. The 1700 quake caused the coastline to drop by several feet and sent a tsunami crashing into the Pacific Northwest coast. Pressure has been building in the Zone ever since, setting the region up for another potential magnitude-9.0 quake. Researchers estimate this kind of “megathrust” earthquake occurs roughly every 300-500 years. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management has been encouraging residents to prepare with initiatives like the Great Oregon Shakeout and Be 2 Weeks Ready.  

Althea Rizzo is the geological hazards program coordinator at the Oregon Department of Emergency Management. Natasha Fox is the department’s inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility (IDEA) coordinator. Susan Penrod is the superintendent of the Seaside School District, which covers the coastal communities of Seaside, Cannon Beach and Gearhart. Shawn Looney is a member of the Linnton Neighborhood Emergency Team. They all join us to offer four different perspectives on earthquake risks and preparedness.