1 Earthquakes and PreparednessEpiscopal Diocese of Oregon Rt. Rev. Michael J. Hanley, Bp. Acknowledgements: Sue Wu, Senior Educator, Earth Sciences Lab, OMSI, Judy Warren, Diocesan Disaster Coordinator, Diocese of Eastern Oregon; Sheryl Gerety, Associate Coordinator, Rich Halter, and Kimberly Ligon, Diocesan Disaster Preparedness Team. Slides also come from: Cascadia Earthscope Earthquake and Tsunami Education Program: 6/17- Richard Raub, Diocesan (Episcopal) Disaster Coordinator
2 Developed by the Diocesan Disaster Preparedness ProgramProvide parishes and individuals: Assistance with planning and preparation for disasters and emergencies Assistance with longer term response and recovery Coordination with national church, state, and federal disaster programs and assistance 12/16 - Richard Raub, Diocesan (Episcopal) Disaster Coordinator
3 Diocesan Disaster Preparedness Program TeamDick Raub – Co-Coordinator, Beaverton, St. Bart’s Carter Hawley, Venerable (Archdeacon) – Co-Coordinator, Portland, Bishop’s Close Sheryl Gerety – Coos Bay, Emmanuel Richard Halter – Monmouth, St. Hilda Katie Moss – Forest Grove, St Bede’s 12/16 - Richard Raub, Diocesan (Episcopal) Disaster Coordinator
4 Our Major Concern Today’s presentation will cover three topics:Cascadia Subduction Zone What it? where the San Juan De Fuca ocean plate is moving (subducting) under the North American continental plate Why is this important? sudden movement can produce a major earthquake can cause significant damage and result in a tsunami Today’s presentation will cover three topics: Earthquakes and tsunamis How to prepare What to do when an earthquake or tsunami strike 12/16 - Richard Raub, Diocesan (Episcopal) Disaster Coordinator
5 It’s okay The geology that causes earthquakes also creates the Coast Range Mountains and the Cascade Volcanoes. We have an amazing landscape for the same reason that we have earthquakes. We’ll talk about why we can get 9.0 earthquakes, how we know that we will, and what we can do to plan. Being prepared saves lives and reduces damage. 12/16 - Richard Raub, Diocesan (Episcopal) Disaster Coordinator 5
6 Earthquakes Two Types of earthquakesAny measurable shaking of the ground Normally natural causes but can be manmade When ongoing movement sticks then releases suddenly Most movement of earth’s crust along a “fault” line Two Types of earthquakes Transform or strike-slip - horizontal movement Convergent - one crust rides up and over another or collide 12/16 - Richard Raub, Diocesan (Episcopal) Disaster Coordinator
7 Transform EarthquakesBest known fault is San Andreas In Oregon, two major faults: Klamath Falls and Scott Mills (east of Portland) Note: a known fault runs under Oregon State University San Andreas Fault 12/16 - Richard Raub, Diocesan (Episcopal) Disaster Coordinator
8 Convergent EarthquakesMost active faults lie along the Pacific plates – “Ring of Fire” Cascadia Fault is where San Juan de Fuca plate rides under the North American plate Affects Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. movement Cascadia Fault 12/16 - Richard Raub, Diocesan (Episcopal) Disaster Coordinator
9 Measurement of EarthquakesMeasured by an instrument called a “seismometer” Measures amount of instantaneous energy released Uses Moment Magnitude Scale (MMS) (originally called “Richter”) Logarithmic scale: 1 means 32 times the energy of a “standard background”; 2 is 1024 times; 9 is 35 followed by 12 zeros times MMS implies but not necessarily corresponds to damage 12/16 - Richard Raub, Diocesan (Episcopal) Disaster Coordinator
10 Most Severe Quakes Since 2000Year Location Magnitude 2016 Ecuador 7.9 2015 Nepal 7.8 2014 Chile 8.2 2011 Tohoku 9.0 2010 8.8 2009 Sumatra 8.6 Samoa 8.1 2008 Sichuan 2005 Kuril Islands 8.3 2004 9.1 2003 Hokkaido 2002 Alaska 2001 Peru 8.4 2000 New Ireland 8.0 Yellow - transform 12/16 - Richard Raub, Diocesan (Episcopal) Disaster Coordinator
11 Recent Pacific Northwest EarthquakesYear Location Magnitude 2001* Puget Sound (Nisqually – damage between 2.0 and 3.5 billion dollars) 6.8 1999* Grays Harbor 5.9 1995* Seattle 5.0 1993 Klamath Falls 5.1, 5.8, 6.0 Scotts Mills 5.6 * Related to Cascadia Seduction zone) 12/16 - Richard Raub, Diocesan (Episcopal) Disaster Coordinator
12 Tsunami When stuck plates release, continental plate which has been compressed springs back Can create a tsunami (wave), that spreads outward In open water, tsunami barely visible on surface, travels up to 500 miles per hour Approaching shore, wave (actually a wall of water) slows down and increases in height Oregon has long, shallow coast, wave can build higher 12/16 - Richard Raub, Diocesan (Episcopal) Disaster Coordinator
13 Tsunamis Warning signs:strong ground shaking of 20 seconds or more (2011 Tohoku, Japan quake was 5 minutes), or loud ocean roar, or water receding unusually far 15 – 30 minutes after earthquake Wave heights (Tohoku) Height at beach up to 20 meters (65 feet) Total height of water above sea level up to 40 meters (130 feet) Come in multiple waves 12/16 - Richard Raub, Diocesan (Episcopal) Disaster Coordinator
14 Damage and Tsunami PicturesJapan - Sendai Japan - Sendai 12/16 - Richard Raub, Diocesan (Episcopal) Disaster Coordinator
15 Cascadia Earthquake and Tsunami January 26, 1700 (also called orphan tsunami)Copalis, WA Ghost Forest Estimated magnitude: Evidence of tsunami: trees in ghost forest died between fall 1699 and spring 1700, tsunami sands, tribal oral histories Multiple layers of ocean sands Japanese 1700 Tsunami Marker Evidence for magnitude earthquake and tsunami on January 26, 9 PM: Native American oral history of earthquake and tsunami Ghost Forests on OR and WA coasts – remnants of western red cedar forests ; David Yamaguchi - trees in “drowned forests” near shore died when the ground subsided and seawater killed the trees. Compare rings from victim trees with rings from witness trees on higher ground - trees died between fall 1699 and spring 1700. buried soils liquefaction geologic evidence of tsunami sand sheets with marine diatom shells carried by tsunami waves Japanese records of a tsunami without an earthquake Brian Atwater from the US Geologic Survey and geologists from Japan pieced together the clues and realized that the earthquake estimated magnitude struck and sent a tsunami to Japan. Story in Atwater’s book Orphan Tsunami, also can be read on-line for free (USGS). Message in Japanese “do not build below this marker” Some date to January 26, 1700 corresponds to last Cascadia earthquake Highest is 128 feet (39 meters) above sea level 12/16 - Richard Raub, Diocesan (Episcopal) Disaster Coordinator 15
16 Countries with Better Earthquake PreparednessFebruary 27, 2010, M8.8 Maule Earthquake, Chile 90% communication services and 95% power supply restored within two weeks restarted commercial flights after ten days. March 11, 2011, M9.0 Tohoku Earthquake, Japan few casualties from quake itself more than 90% power supply restored in ten days 90% telephone lines in two weeks 90% cellular base stations in 19 days deaths occurred from tsunami Most utilities restored pretty quickly 12/16 - Richard Raub, Diocesan (Episcopal) Disaster Coordinator 16
17 Estimated Time for Service Recovery – Oregon Under Present ConditionsCritical Service Zone Recovery Time Electricity Valley 1 to 3 months Coast 3 to 6 months Police and Fire Facilities* 2 to 4 months Drinking Water and Sewers 1 month to 1 year 3 months to 3 years Top Priority Highways (partial restoration) Healthcare Facilities* 3 months to 18 months Gasoline Supply (97% from tank farms along the Willamette on unstable soils Metro * Excluding seismically reinforced structures 12/16 - Richard Raub, Diocesan (Episcopal) Disaster Coordinator
18 Preparation - Personal/Family1. Identify and fix hazards in house (things that will fall) furniture, especially bookshelves and wall mounted TVs water heater – bolted to concrete wall know how to turn off gas, water, and electricity 2. Create a disaster plan personal out-of-area contacts how to evacuate, where to meet 3. Have adequate supplies to cover living up to several days 12/16 - Richard Raub, Diocesan (Episcopal) Disaster Coordinator
19 Preparation - ParishesChurches are important in emergencies Mission and ministry is to provide for others, especially those who may need assistance Reduce risks to facilities: can be a point of refuge for the community Planning for the Parish Meet-up locations Emergency preparedness plan (template available from the Diocese – see resource sheet) Up-to-date parish list of names for roll call Ensure responsibility for contact of more vulnerable parishioners Suggest someone have access to satellite phone Have names of ham radio operators 12/16 - Richard Raub, Diocesan (Episcopal) Disaster Coordinator
20 Preparation – CommunityRefuges in tsunami zones Community resources – who, what, where, and when Tools and implements for debris removal Neighborhood preparedness Sources of drinking water and food Extrication and digging tools Meet-up locations Shelters Red Cross preparedness programs Names for CERT (Community Emergency Response Teams) and COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster) Ham radio operators 12/16 - Richard Raub, Diocesan (Episcopal) Disaster Coordinator
21 Retrofitting Houses bolt house to foundation (anchor bolt every 4-6 feet) plywood shear walls- crawlspace and house walls soft first stories (garage, large windows) need reinforcement water heater bolted to concrete wall automatic earthquake shut-off valve for gas line #1 problem is houses sliding off of foundations Plywood shear walls prevent lateral movement 12/16 - Richard Raub, Diocesan (Episcopal) Disaster Coordinator 21
22 Personal/Family Evacuate or Remain in HomeGO Bag – 72 hours of supplies (see Fuel for automobile Remain in Home - 3 months worth of: See Personal Preparedness Checklist (on the same Diocesan site) NOAA weather radio with Public Alert feature Copy of important documents in waterproof bag Tied to Bed Flashlight/Head-Lamp Sturdy shoes Leather gloves Crowbar Need ½ gallon per person per day of drinking water. Another ½ gallon for sanitation. 12/16 - Richard Raub, Diocesan (Episcopal) Disaster Coordinator 22
23 During an Earthquake 12/16 - Richard Raub, Diocesan (Episcopal) Disaster Coordinator
24 During an Earthquake If inside: If outside:Stay inside if cover available (use door frame only if nothing else is available). If must leave, rapidly walk or crawl along the walls. Even a chair can protect the head If outside: Find place to protect head and body Move away from buildings to a distance up to 1 ½ the a building’s height Remember, in an earthquake of magnitude 8 or higher, may not be able to walk - crawl 12/16 - Richard Raub, Diocesan (Episcopal) Disaster Coordinator
25 Churches and EarthquakesChurch buildings often large, open structures Older buildings not earthquake proof Limited area for taking cover Complete preparedness plans Conduct evacuation drills – be especially aware of building’s location related to tsunami zone 12/16 - Richard Raub, Diocesan (Episcopal) Disaster Coordinator
26 Tsunami 12/16 - Richard Raub, Diocesan (Episcopal) Disaster Coordinator 26
27 What to Do During TsunamiMay not feel earthquake; receding waters are best clue Go to at least 100 feet above sea level Tsunami waves may last for 12 hours or even several days. Large aftershocks can produce more tsunami waves Debris, hazardous materials are carried by the waves Go to an area at least 100 feet above sea level or 2 miles inland A distant tsunami is a significant earthquake that occurs a long distance from the Oregon Coast, from an earthquake that we don’t feel (i.e. earthquake in Alaska or Japan). The West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center (http://wcatwc.arh.noaa.gov/) in Palmer, Alaska is the government organization which provides information to the public regarding tsunami threats to our area. There are four separate alert levels: Information Statement, Watch, Advisory, and Warning. Each has a distinct meaning and suggested action. 12/16 - Richard Raub, Diocesan (Episcopal) Disaster Coordinator 27
28 Cascadia Tsunami Know tsunami maps for your locationsWith Cascadia earthquake, may have up to 20 minutes before tsunami strikes Head toward safe refuge on high ground or a constructed safe refuge (know which route is shortest) Driving may not be best: damaged bridges, congestion Walk as fast a possible 12/16 - Richard Raub, Diocesan (Episcopal) Disaster Coordinator
29 After the Earthquake or TsunamiCheck for hurt people Check for fire risk – shut off gas, electrical breaker box, and water if needed; have gas company turn gas back on Expect aftershocks Outside help may take 72 hours or even longer Give people tasks to do 12/16 - Richard Raub, Diocesan (Episcopal) Disaster Coordinator
30 Food and Water Food and Water Water 30-40 gallons in water heaterToilet tank about 7 gallons of water Liquids in canned foods Food Frozen food keeps 3 days in unopened freezer – eat ice cream first! Once opened, foods in freezer will begin to defrost rapidly 12/16 - Richard Raub, Diocesan (Episcopal) Disaster Coordinator
31 Personal Response If capable, go to meet-up areas and learn how you can help Provide basic first aid or palliative care as needed Communicate requests for other immediate aid to Emergency Management Agency or specifically designated disaster coordinators Consider providing food or shelter as needed Assume responsibilities If not directly involved, be prepared to follow instructions from response agencies 12/16 - Richard Raub, Diocesan (Episcopal) Disaster Coordinator
32 Parish Response Verify safety/condition of parishionersAssess damage to facilities Contact Diocese – bishop, canon for ordinary, ER-D Coordinator, diocesan administrator, diocesan disaster coordinator with update as soon as communication possible. May need subsequent updates. How can Diocese help? Make available skills and assets (personal and parish) for response and recovery to CERT, COAD, or local emergency response teams (part of parish comprehensive disaster preparedness plan). Ensure Asset Map is completed. 12/16 - Richard Raub, Diocesan (Episcopal) Disaster Coordinator
33 Community Response Coordinate efforts with response organizationsActivate organizational response team (if have one) Determine where volunteers should report and what is needed May be needed to help with evacuation Do not self-deploy or spontaneously volunteer Communicate known needs of others upward, not directly Emergency service providers and Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) have structure to direct proper aid Note: going directly may disrupt supply of aid 12/16 - Richard Raub, Diocesan (Episcopal) Disaster Coordinator
34 Many Excellent Preparedness Resources (some examples)“Living on Shaky Ground: How to Survive Earthquake and Tsunamis in Oregon” The Great Shakeout Earthquake alerts https://sslearthquake.usgs.gov/ens/help Book on seismic upgrade for houses and buildings: Yanev, Peter I. and C.T. Thompson. Peace of Mind in Earthquake Country. 3rd edition Chronicle Books. Episcopal Relief and Development (national) “US Disaster Program” 12/16 - Richard Raub, Diocesan (Episcopal) Disaster Coordinator 34
35 Content Bibliography OPB “Unprepared” IRIS (Incorporated Research Institutes for Seismology) Active Earth kiosk https://www.iris.edu/hq/programs/education_and_outreach/museum_displays/active_earth Pacific Northwest Seismic Network USGS earthquakes Atwater, Brian, et.al. The Orphan Tsunami of Seattle: University of Washington Press. Oregon State University article on the earthquake record for the past 10,000 years How big was that quake Earthquake calculator Tsunami preparedness “Unprepared: an Oregon Field Guide Special” 12/16 - Richard Raub, Diocesan (Episcopal) Disaster Coordinator
36 THANK YOU Please contact the Diocesan Disaster Coordinator for answers to questions 12/16 - Richard Raub, Diocesan (Episcopal) Disaster Coordinator