Cascadia's Multi-Hazard Environment

Abstract eng:
The Pacific Northwest of the United States is exposed to multiple natural hazards, including the severe winter storms and Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquakes and tsunamis. A winter storm in December 2007 caused $250-$300 million (USD) in losses and five fatalities in a small scale disaster in Oregon. Critical infrastructure was damaged, including: 230 kV electrical transmission, telecommunications including 911 emergency communication, 85% of international fiber optical connectivity, and the transportation systems with 366 highway closures. Most of the damage to vulnerable infrastructure (lifelines) and buildings was caused by sustained high winds, flooding and landslides. The response and recovery efforts were slowed in large part due to interdependent infrastructure, such as lack of communication due to power outages. A repeat of the 1700 prehistoric Cascadia earthquake would be a catastrophic disaster with widespread impact. Expected losses in Oregon from a magnitude 9 Cascadia earthquake are over $30 billion (USD) and over 5,000 fatalities. This paper describes the impact, damage and losses of the 2007 storm in Oregon. It then compares the 2007 storm to projected losses in Oregon from a Cascadia earthquake and tsunami. Recommendations for prioritized mitigation for critical infrastructure and civic infrastructure protection are described for a multi-hazard environment. Especially vulnerable areas require proactive risk reduction measures. For low lying tsunami-prone coastal communities, the construction of tsunami evacuation buildings in high tsunami hazard zones combined with aggressive public education and reliable near-field tsunami warning systems are needed to ensure adequate safety.

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