Dear Friend,
The Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ), a fault line stretching 700 miles across the Pacific Northwest, has been building pressure for more than 300 years and has the potential to produce a massive tsunami and earthquake. This week, the Pacific Northwest will undergo the largest earthquake and tsunami exercise, simulating a complete rupture of the CSZ due to a 9.0 earthquake.
This exercise – called “Cascadia Rising” – will test our region’s emergency response capabilities in the event of a large scale natural disaster including helicopter operations, decontamination exercises, search and rescue exercises and communication drills. The simulation will require coordination at all levels – federal, state, county, local and tribal governments as well as the private sector. Cascadia Rising will provide us with valuable insight into how we can improve plans, processes and communications in order to save lives and better address an emergency situation.
As we learned after the Oso tragedy, disaster preparedness is critically important in our region. That’s why in advance of Cascadia Rising, I’ve held forums throughout the First District to help our communities plan for a safer tomorrow, ensuring a coordinated response in the case of another landslide, earthquake, flood, volcano or wildfire. These forums bring together local leaders and geological experts to ensure communities have an emergency response plan to help mitigate the impacts of natural disasters. While the Pacific Northwest is one of the most beautiful places to live, our landscape also presents unique challenges, and I remain committed to addressing this issue through my work in Congress.
As always, my office is here to serve you. If you have questions or comments about the topics that matter most to you, I encourage you to contact me through my website. You may also keep up-to-date on what I’m doing by following me on social media. If you need assistance dealing with a federal agency, such as the IRS or the VA, please do not hesitate to contact my Bothell office at (425) 485-0085.
Sincerely,
Suzan
