Press Releases

OSO – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today kicked off the series of forums titled “Community Preparedness & Resiliency: Planning Today for a Safer Tomorrow,” to bring local leaders and geological experts together to ensure communities have an emergency response plan in case of disasters, such as landslides, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Nearly two years after the devastating SR 530 mudslide, the Oso community was selected for the first forum because it knows how important emergency response and preparedness can be to ensuring our communities are safe when disaster strikes.

“The community of Oso and the people who live here will always have a special place in my heart, which is one of many reasons I wanted to start these forums here. As we approach the two-year anniversary of the tragic slide, we must reflect on lessons learned, including that resources and research efforts can help prevent future natural disasters from becoming national tragedies,” DelBene said. “While the Pacific Northwest is one of the most beautiful places to live, its landscape also presents unique challenges. Unfortunately, we know all too well earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and slides can cause great devastation. We can and must help our communities plan today so we are safer tomorrow.”

DelBene will host several forums throughout Washington’s First District to help inform local leaders about the unique risks and challenges communities face because of the geologically active nature of the region. The forums will also provide an opportunity to collaborate and exchange ideas in preparation of another potential disaster.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), there is a 10-15 percent chance that a magnitude-9.0 earthquake will happen in the Pacific Northwest during a 50-year window.

“We see science as a common thread to understanding and ultimately for improving society’s preparedness and in doing, helping to prevent natural hazards from becoming natural disasters,” said USGS Northwest Regional Director Rich Ferrero.

DelBene is also working on legislation to increase funding for landslide research and mapping efforts and has called for an increase in funding for earthquake early warning systems.

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