Scientists have estimated that there is a one-in-three chance that a mega-earthquake will hit the Pacific Northwest in the next 50 years.
However residents of the small town of Cannon Beach on the Oregon coast are well aware they’re in the firing line of an earthquake and the ensuing tsunami, and they’re preparing. Wokring together with experts from Oregon State University, the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industry and local residents, the small town is looking to create a town hall that will act as a tsunami proof building.
“In all but the most catastrophic scenarios, it’s been estimated that the water level from an incoming tsunami at the site we propose to build the new city hall could be up to 15 feet,” said Jay Raskin, a local architect and one of the community leaders working to create the new structure. “We think this building could shelter at least 1,500 people. It will cost more, but so far there has been a pretty positive public reaction to the idea.” (more…)