Disaster and Preparedness in the Ring of Fire
The recent triple disaster in Japan – earthquake, tsunami and nuclear meltdown – shocked and horrified the world. It also left Japan’s neighbors along the Ring of Fire wondering: Could what happened in Japan happen here? Are we prepared if it does?
On April 1, City Club welcomes three experts from Oregon State University who will discuss the catastrophic events in Japan and describe what might happen were similar disasters to take place here in Oregon. Marine geologist Chris Goldfinger, who was in Japan when the crises occurred, will share his eye-witness account and discuss the potential impacts of future tsunamis in Oregon. Structural engineer Chris Higgins will explain how Japanese construction techniques helped avert greater damage and will assess whether Oregon’s buildings and bridges are similarly prepared. Finally, health physicist Kathryn Higley will provide a status update on the Japanese nuclear situation while addressing the environmental impact of radiation releases from Japan, including what we might see on the west coast.
