“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin
The Pacific Northwest hasn’t experienced a major Cascadia earthquake (magnitude 8+) since January 26, 1700. Local Native American Tribes told stories of the event, such as Thunderbird and Whale. Japanese records told of an “orphan tsunami” that washed up on their shores.
Yet, even with the stories, it can be hard to visualize what the region might look like after a major Cascadia earthquake and tsunami. For a look at what’s possible, NOAA offers historic photos of quakes from around the global dating back to 1906.
Click each caption below to view the accompanying photos and descriptions. Knowing what’s possible helps us prepare for and mitigate against Cascadia’s future overall impact.
Image Credit: Pacific Northwest Seismic Network
Surviving Cascadia 