00:00Scientists are renewing warnings about one of the most catastrophic natural threats facing the United States.
00:05And the danger is hiding beneath the Pacific Ocean.
00:08The Cascadia subduction zone is a massive geological fault stretching from northern California through Oregon and Washington to British Columbia.
00:18It is capable of producing a magnitude 9.0 or greater earthquake.
00:22When that happens, scientists warn it could generate waves over 1,000 feet high in some coastal areas.
00:30The Pacific Northwest coastline is home to millions of Americans, including residents of Seattle, Portland, Astoria, and dozens of coastal
00:38communities.
00:39If a major rupture occurs, people may have as little as 15 minutes to evacuate to high ground.
00:45Before the first tsunami wave arrives, geologists say a major Cascadia rupture is not a question of if.
00:53Only when the fault has produced mega earthquakes every 200 to 500 years on average.
00:58The last major rupture occurred in 1700, known today as the 1700 Cascadia earthquake.
01:05According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, such an event could displace up to 1 million people.
01:11And cause trillions of dollars in damage!
01:14Coastal evacuation routes in Washington, Oregon, and California have already been mapped.
01:19Know your evacuation route.
01:21Know your evacuation route before you need it.
01:22Because this is the disaster many American scientists fear most.
01:26And they warn it may already be overdue.
01:29We are still waiting for you.
01:29And they do not want to know how many makes your aging routes.
01:29So although we are still waiting, you know.
01:30We are closer to you.
01:30I think you will take what we call a project.
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