Jérôme OLLIER’s Post

A catastrophic earthquake and tsunami are anticipated for the Pacific Northwest coast, stemming from the Cascadia Subduction Zone. This 700-mile fault, stretching from Northern California to Vancouver Island, could trigger a 9.0 magnitude earthquake similar to Japan's 2011 disaster. Recent research has revealed the fault is divided into several segments, each with unique geological properties, with the segment off Washington's coast posing the greatest risk. Despite the known dangers, infrastructure built before 2005 was not designed to withstand such an earthquake, and tsunami building codes were only implemented in 2016. The geological record indicates these mega earthquakes and tsunamis occur approximately every 500 years, with the next one expected within the next 200 years. The preparedness of the Pacific Northwest is inadequate, with many bridges, buildings, and critical facilities in vulnerable locations. Experts like Corina Allen from the Washington Geological Survey and Yumei Wang from Portland State University highlight the pressing need for retrofitting and building vertical evacuation structures. Currently, only three such structures exist in the region, with four more planned, though at least 50 are needed in Washington alone. Despite the potential for severe consequences, investment in necessary preparations is slow, hindered by the uncertain timing of the next event and the substantial costs involved. Seismologist Diego Melgar emphasizes that comprehensive preparations are a long-term effort that may not yield immediate benefits but are crucial for future generations. Ensuring safety involves building codes, early warning systems, and accessible evacuation zones, but achieving this requires significant financial and societal commitment . --- Sources: 1. Diego Melgar, University of Oregon 2. Corina Allen, Washington Geological Survey 3. Yumei Wang, Portland State University 4. CNN. "The Worst Airports in the U.S. for Connecting Flights"

It’s extremely concerning the reduction of Tsunami program funding in Alaska is even being considered! And that news came on March 27, 2024 - the day of the 60th anniversary of the 1964 earthquake that claimed the lives of over 130 people, 122 of which were fatalities caused by tsunami’s. As stated in the below article- The National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program (NTHMP) has provided Alaska with up to $700,000 a year and those funds are used to provide guidance to at-risk populations with tsunami hazard assessment, evacuation planning and public education - which includes tsunami inundation mapping, sirens, research and, critical public education that can SAVE LIVES!!! The Tsunami Workshop I recently presented at in Seward is one of those outreach and education events possible because of that NTHMP funding. What hazards does Alaska have that can cause tsunamis?? 🫨Earthquakes 🌋Volcanoes ⚠️Landslides 🌋The Augustine Volcano in Alaska (2006). In 1883, a debris flow from the collapse of the north face of the Augustine Volcano's peak caused a local tsunami. Damage to homes and fishing boats was reported. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey, Game McGimsey) 🫨⚠️According to Alaska Seismic Hazards Safety Commission. scientists have long recognized that Alaska has more earthquakes than any other region of the United States and is, in fact, one of the most seismically active areas of the world. ➡️Alaska is home of the the second largest earthquake ever recorded (1964 Great Alaska Earthquake, magnitude 9.2) ➡️Alaska has 11 percent of the world's recorded earthquakes ➡️Three of the eight largest earthquakes in the world were in Alaska ➡️Seven of the ten largest earthquakes in the United States were in Alaska. Since 1900, Alaska has had an average of: 🌊Six magnitude 6 to 7 earthquakes per year 🌊Forty five magnitude 5 to 6 earthquakes per year 🌊Three hundred twenty magnitude 4 to 5 earthquakes per year 🌊An average of a 1,000 earthquakes are located in Alaska each month. 🌊⚠️According to the Alaska Earthquake Center, coastal Alaska communities live with the most serious tsunami risk in the United States. Historically, tsunamis generated by earthquakes in Alaska have caused damage and loss of life along the West Coast and across the Pacific (Alaska Earthquake Center, 2022). Is saving $700,000 more important than providing tools, education, information, and resources to at risk coastal communities that can save lives? $700,000 is a drop in the bucket and a sound investment for a program that helps protect the lives of the people in our coastal communities by providing education and resources that help them be more resilient and better prepared for when the next tsunami hits. Cutting funding for the NTHMP program would be a grave mistake. The conversation SHOULD be how can we increase funding or fight to save what little funding we do have. 🙏🏽

Did you know a single day in 2004 reshaped global disaster preparedness forever? Here’s the story of the Indian Ocean tsunami and the lessons it taught the world. 📅 December 26, 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake & Tsunami: Magnitude 9.1 earthquake, originating off the Sumatran coast. It was the third largest earthquake since 1900. The quake occurred 30 km below the ocean floor in the Sunda Trench, causing massive devastation. 🌍 Impact: 1️⃣ Felt across Indonesia, Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. 2️⃣ Killed 227,000+ people and displaced 1.7 million. 3️⃣ The tsunami impacted 17 countries along the Indian Ocean. 🌊 Tsunami Reach: Tsunami's effects were unprecedented for such a wide region. Severe damage and fatalities occurred in Northern Sumatra and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. 🌐 Global Awareness & Lessons: 4️⃣ Importance of disaster preparedness highlighted. 5️⃣ The 2004 tsunami served as a reminder of global vulnerability to natural hazards. 🔬 Scientific Advancements Post-2004: 6️⃣ Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC), established in 2007, provides real-time monitoring using seismological stations and ocean sensors. 7️⃣ India is the fifth country globally with such a warning system. 8️⃣ Tsunami research led to important developments in tsunami geology and earthquake monitoring. ⚡ Research & Discoveries: 9️⃣ Excavations, like at Mahabalipuram, revealed evidence of ancient tsunamis, sparking more research in tsunami geology. 🔟 The Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011 emphasized the need for better disaster planning for nuclear plants near coastlines. 1️⃣1️⃣ Tsunami modeling and earthquake instrumentation improved in the aftermath. 🌍 Future Risks & Preparedness: 1️⃣2️⃣ Experts warn of the Makran Coast (Iran, Pakistan) and Myanmar coasts, which could cause future tsunamis, affecting India's western coast and cities like Mumbai. 1️⃣3️⃣ Seismic research continues to study slow-slip events and pre-seismic movements for early detection of earthquakes. 🔍 Conclusion: The 2004 tsunami was a turning point in earthquake and tsunami research, significantly influencing scientific understanding of seismic hazards. This research has shaped modern tsunami warning systems and disaster preparedness worldwide.

New Post: Taiwan earthquake: Tsunami warnings issued after 7.4 magnitude quake strikes of east coast -CNN  —  A major earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 struck off Taiwan’s eastern coast Wednesday, according to the US Geological Survey, prompting tsunami warnings for the island and southern Japan. The quake’s epicenter is located about 18 kilometers (11 miles) south of the city of Hualien. Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration issued a tsunami warning... CNN  —  A major earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 struck off Taiwan’s eastern coast Wednesday, according to the US Geological Survey, prompting tsunami warnings for the island and southern Japan. The quake’s epicenter is located about 18 kilometers (11 miles) south of the city of Hualien. Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration issued a tsunami warning following the quake. An alert from CWA was sent to residents, though not all received it, warning that a tsunami was expected to impact the northern coastal area and that residents are advised to evacuate to higher ground. The Japan Meteorological Agency also issued a tsunami warning for Miyakojima and Okinawa islands, warning of waves up to 3 meters expected imminently. Several aftershocks were felt in Taiwan, including one that registered a magnitude of 6.5, according to the USGS. Taiwan is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, which runs around the edge of the Pacific Ocean and causes massive seismic and volcanic activity from Indonesia to Chile. The island is regularly rocked by earthquakes. A magnitude 6.2 quake hit near Hualien in 2018, killing at least 17 people and injuring more than 300 others. In 1999, the biggest quake in recent memory killed 2,400 people. Hualien County is home to about 300,000 people and close to Taroko Gorge, a popular tourist destination. This is a developing story and will be updated. Source link

New Post: Taiwan earthquake: Tsunami warnings issued after 7.4 magnitude quake strikes of east coast -CNN  —  A major earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 struck off Taiwan’s eastern coast Wednesday, according to the US Geological Survey, prompting tsunami warnings for the island and southern Japan. The quake’s epicenter is located about 18 kilometers (11 miles) south of the city of Hualien. Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration issued a tsunami warning... CNN  —  A major earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 struck off Taiwan’s eastern coast Wednesday, according to the US Geological Survey, prompting tsunami warnings for the island and southern Japan. The quake’s epicenter is located about 18 kilometers (11 miles) south of the city of Hualien. Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration issued a tsunami warning following the quake. An alert from CWA was sent to residents, though not all received it, warning that a tsunami was expected to impact the northern coastal area and that residents are advised to evacuate to higher ground. The Japan Meteorological Agency also issued a tsunami warning for Miyakojima and Okinawa islands, warning of waves up to 3 meters expected imminently. Several aftershocks were felt in Taiwan, including one that registered a magnitude of 6.5, according to the USGS. Taiwan is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, which runs around the edge of the Pacific Ocean and causes massive seismic and volcanic activity from Indonesia to Chile. The island is regularly rocked by earthquakes. A magnitude 6.2 quake hit near Hualien in 2018, killing at least 17 people and injuring more than 300 others. In 1999, the biggest quake in recent memory killed 2,400 people. Hualien County is home to about 300,000 people and close to Taroko Gorge, a popular tourist destination. This is a developing story and will be updated. Source link

New Post: Taiwan earthquake: Tsunami warnings issued after 7.4 magnitude quake strikes of east coast -CNN  —  A major earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 struck off Taiwan’s eastern coast Wednesday, according to the US Geological Survey, prompting tsunami warnings for the island and southern Japan. The quake’s epicenter is located about 18 kilometers (11 miles) south of the city of Hualien. Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration issued a tsunami warning... CNN  —  A major earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 struck off Taiwan’s eastern coast Wednesday, according to the US Geological Survey, prompting tsunami warnings for the island and southern Japan. The quake’s epicenter is located about 18 kilometers (11 miles) south of the city of Hualien. Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration issued a tsunami warning following the quake. An alert from CWA was sent to residents, though not all received it, warning that a tsunami was expected to impact the northern coastal area and that residents are advised to evacuate to higher ground. The Japan Meteorological Agency also issued a tsunami warning for Miyakojima and Okinawa islands, warning of waves up to 3 meters expected imminently. Several aftershocks were felt in Taiwan, including one that registered a magnitude of 6.5, according to the USGS. Taiwan is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, which runs around the edge of the Pacific Ocean and causes massive seismic and volcanic activity from Indonesia to Chile. The island is regularly rocked by earthquakes. A magnitude 6.2 quake hit near Hualien in 2018, killing at least 17 people and injuring more than 300 others. In 1999, the biggest quake in recent memory killed 2,400 people. Hualien County is home to about 300,000 people and close to Taroko Gorge, a popular tourist destination. This is a developing story and will be updated. Source link

Palawan Earthquakes: Rethinking Seismic Stability and Disaster Preparedness Recent earthquakes in Palawan, an island historically considered seismically stable, have prompted experts to call for a reevaluation of the region’s earthquake risks. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) released a study urging for robust disaster preparedness measures, including reassessing potential earthquake sources and implementing stricter safety protocols for critical infrastructure projects. #PalawanEarthquakes #SeismicStability #DisasterPreparedness #PHIVOLCS #EarthquakeFaults #TsunamiRisk #GeologicHazards #InfrastructureSafety #PublicAwareness https://lnkd.in/gw8UKhyA

New Post: Japan issues first-ever ‘megaquake’ advisory, leaving citizens scared, confused - https://lnkd.in/gz9tei7K, one of the most earthquake-prone nations on earth, issued its first-ever "megaquake advisory" last week after a powerful quake struck off the southeastern coast of the southern main island of Kyushu.The magnitude 7.1 quake caused no deaths or severe damage but the advisory has led to widespread confusion and a lingering sense of worry — in a country well accustomed to regular quakes — about when the next big one will hit.The Associated Press explains what the advisory means, what people are being told to do, and what could happen if a massive quake hits Japan.7.1 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE STRIKES OFF JAPAN'S COAST, TSUNAMI ADVISORY ISSUEDThe Japan Meteorological Agency issued the advisory after concluding that the magnitude 7.1 quake that struck on Aug. 8 on the western edge of the Nankai Trough increased the likelihood of another big one.There is a 70-80% chance of a magnitude 8 or 9 quake associated with the Nankai Trough within the next 30 years, and the probability is now "higher than normal" after the latest quake, the JMA says.But that is not a prediction that a megaquake will happen at any specific time or location, says University of Tokyo seismologist Naoshi Hirata, who heads the JMA’s experts panel. He urged people to remain cautious and prepared.The Nankai Trough is an undersea trench that runs from Hyuganada, in the waters just off the southeastern coast of Kyushu, to Suruga Bay in central Japan. It spans about 500 miles along the Pacific coast.The Philippine Sea Plate there slowly pulls down on the Eurasian Plate and causes it to occasionally snap back, an action that could lead to a megaquake and tsunami, JMA says.The last Nankai Trough quake off Shikoku in 1946 recorded a preliminary magnitude of 8.0 and killed more than 1,300 people.In 2013, a government disaster prevention team said a magnitude 9.1 Nankai Trough quake could generate a tsunami exceeding 33 feet within minutes, killing as many as 323,000 people, destroying more than 2 million buildings and causing economic damage of more than $1.5 trillion to large swaths of Japan’s Pacific coast.As a result of the "megaquake advisory," Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida canceled his planned Aug. 9-12 trip to Central Asia and announced he would lead the government response and ensure preventive measures and communication with the public.The Fire and Disaster Management Agency instructed 707 municipalities seen as at risk from a Nankai Trough quake to review their response measures and evacuation plans.Experts and officials have urged people to stay calm and carry on their daily social and economic activities while also securing emergency food and water and discussing evacuation plans with family members.In a reassuring note on Monday, JMA experts said they have so far

New Post: Taiwan earthquake: Tsunami warnings issued after 7.4 magnitude quake strikes of east coast -CNN  —  A major earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 struck off Taiwan’s eastern coast Wednesday, according to the US Geological Survey, prompting tsunami warnings for the island and southern Japan. The quake’s epicenter is located about 18 kilometers (11 miles) south of the city of Hualien. Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration issued a tsunami warning... CNN  —  A major earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 struck off Taiwan’s eastern coast Wednesday, according to the US Geological Survey, prompting tsunami warnings for the island and southern Japan. The quake’s epicenter is located about 18 kilometers (11 miles) south of the city of Hualien. Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration issued a tsunami warning following the quake. An alert from CWA was sent to residents, though not all received it, warning that a tsunami was expected to impact the northern coastal area and that residents are advised to evacuate to higher ground. The Japan Meteorological Agency also issued a tsunami warning for Miyakojima and Okinawa islands, warning of waves up to 3 meters expected imminently. Several aftershocks were felt in Taiwan, including one that registered a magnitude of 6.5, according to the USGS. Taiwan is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, which runs around the edge of the Pacific Ocean and causes massive seismic and volcanic activity from Indonesia to Chile. The island is regularly rocked by earthquakes. A magnitude 6.2 quake hit near Hualien in 2018, killing at least 17 people and injuring more than 300 others. In 1999, the biggest quake in recent memory killed 2,400 people. Hualien County is home to about 300,000 people and close to Taroko Gorge, a popular tourist destination. This is a developing story and will be updated. Source link