In an unprecedented twist, soccer enthusiasts in India and China are bracing for a World Cup viewing crisis. Negotiations for broadcast rights in India remain
Sports

In an unprecedented twist, soccer enthusiasts in India and China are bracing for a World Cup viewing crisis. Negotiations for broadcast rights in India remain unresolved, while China is yet to clarify its stance. With the tournament's kickoff just around the corner

From Mumbai’s ambitious, sound-inspired Pan-Asian sanctuaries to the secret speakeasies of New Delhi and the artisanal pizza workshops of Bengaluru
Life Style

From Mumbai’s ambitious, sound-inspired Pan-Asian sanctuaries to the secret speakeasies of New Delhi and the artisanal pizza workshops of Bengaluru, here are the essential coordinates for your May social calendar. Specialty Restaurants Limited brings its progressive Pan-Asian vision to Bandra

Filing your income-tax returns (ITR) have become more accessible over the past few years with the full process available online via the Income-Tax (I-T)
Latest News

Filing your income-tax returns (ITR) have become more accessible over the past few years with the full process available online via the Income-Tax (I-T) website. However, there are a lot of things that can be confusing for first-time taxpayers

Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy on Monday won the Assembly election from the Thattanchavady constituency, defeating E Vinayagam of the Neyam Makkal
Politics

Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy on Monday won the Assembly election from the Thattanchavady constituency, defeating E Vinayagam of the Neyam Makkal Kazhagam. Rangasamy, the chief of the All India NR Congress, garnered 10,024 votes. He defeated Vinayagam by 4,441 votes

<h4 class=
World

Outgoing Indian envoy meets Bangladesh FM, discusses bilateral tiesOutgoing Indian envoy meets Bangladesh FM, discusses bilateral ties Published on: May 04, 2026 4:54 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Dhaka, India's outgoing envoy Pranay Verma called on Bangladesh Foreign Minister Kahlilur Rahman here

<h4 class=
Latest News

Seven killed in four road accidents in JharkhandSeven killed in four road accidents in Jharkhand Published on: May 04, 2026 5:17 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Ranchi, Seven people, including three minors, were killed in four road accidents in Jharkhand over the past 24 hours, police said on Monday

What a day and what a pattern for Italy’s brightest sporting stars. Jannik Sinner and Kimi Antonelli both claimed massive wins yesterday in their respective
Sports

What a day and what a pattern for Italy’s brightest sporting stars. Jannik Sinner and Kimi Antonelli both claimed massive wins yesterday in their respective sports, continuing one of the most bizarre and brilliant coincidences in modern sport. Let’s break it down

Reliance Jio has reshaped its prepaid plans for feature phone users and the Mukesh Ambani-owned company has introduced a new category called ‘4G Feature
Latest News

Reliance Jio has reshaped its prepaid plans for feature phone users and the Mukesh Ambani-owned company has introduced a new category called ‘4G Feature Phone Plans’, replacing older offerings and streamlining its lineup. If you’ve been using a JioPhone or any 4G keypad device

A new Virginia Tech study warns of a mega-tsunami that could strike the US Pacific Coast if a massive earthquake hits the Cascadia Subduction Zone. Researchers say there is a 15 percent chance of a magnitude 8.0 or greater quake within the next 50 years. Such an event could sink coastal land by more than six feet and unleash waves up to 1,000 feet high. Cities like Seattle and Portland face the gravest danger, with millions at risk and recovery timelines stretched for decades.

Posted By: Preeti Dabar Posted On: Aug 30, 2025Share Article
A new Virginia Tech study warns of a mega-tsunami that could strike the US Pacific Coast if a massive earthquake hits the Cascadia Subduction Zone. Researchers say there is a 15 percent chance of a magnitude 8.0 or greater quake within the next 50 years. Such an event could sink coastal land by more than six feet and unleash waves up to 1,000 feet high. Cities like Seattle and Portland face the gravest danger, with millions at risk and recovery timelines stretched for decades.

A new Virginia Tech study warns of a mega-tsunami that could strike the US Pacific Coast if a massive earthquake hits the Cascadia Subduction Zone. Researchers say there is a 15 percent chance of a magnitude 8.0 or greater quake within the next 50 years. Such an event could sink coastal land by more than six feet and unleash waves up to 1,000 feet high. Cities like Seattle and Portland face the gravest danger, with millions at risk and recovery timelines stretched for decades.

Scientists have sounded an urgent warning about one of North America's most dangerous fault lines. The Cascadia Subduction Zone, which stretches nearly 600 miles from northern Vancouver Island in Canada to Cape Mendocino in California, could trigger a mega-tsunami if a massive earthquake erupts.

According to the Virginia Tech study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, there is a 15 percent chance of a magnitude 8.0 or stronger quake along this fault within the next half-century. Such an event could devastate coastal states, including Washington, Oregon, and northern California, while also threatening Alaska and Hawaii.

Mega-tsunami warning: How big could the disaster be

If the Cascadia fault ruptures, scientists warn that the impact would be immediate and severe. Coastal land could sink by up to 6.5 feet. Waves could tower to nearly 1,000 feet, dwarfing the height of ordinary tsunamis. Cities like Seattle and Portland could be overwhelmed within minutes, with millions of people, thousands of buildings, and miles of roads exposed to sudden flooding.

Unlike gradual climate-driven events, the scientists caution that this would “happen within minutes, leaving no time for adaptation or mitigation,” according to the Independent.

Findings from the Virginia Tech study

The research team ran tens of thousands of computer models to simulate the outcomes. Their results show that hazard maps currently in use underestimate the scale of the threat. Many more communities, homes, and infrastructures lie in the path of potential flooding than previously thought.

“The expansion of the coastal floodplain following a Cascadia subduction zone earthquake has not been previously quantified, and the impacts to land use could significantly increase the timeline to recovery,” said Tina Dura, lead author of the study and assistant professor in Virginia Tech's Department of Geosciences.

A history of seismic silence

The last great earthquake in the Cascadia Subduction Zone struck in 1700. That event was powerful enough to generate a tsunami recorded as far away as Japan. Scientists say geological evidence suggests that such catastrophic quakes recur every 400 to 600 years. The absence of one in more than three centuries has added to growing concern.

Seismologists note that stress has been building for centuries as the Juan de Fuca Plate continues to push beneath the North American Plate. When that stress is released, the result could be one of the most destructive natural disasters in recorded history.

Which regions at highest risk?

The Virginia Tech study identifies southern Washington, northern Oregon, and northern California as the areas facing the most severe threat. Alaska and Hawaii, though farther from the fault, remain vulnerable because of their own seismic and volcanic profiles. Low-lying coastal zones could face permanent inundation, particularly when future sea level rise is factored in.

If such an earthquake and tsunami were to strike, the consequences would extend beyond immediate destruction. Researchers estimate that more than 30,000 lives could be lost, over 170,000 buildings destroyed, and economic losses could exceed $81 billion. The impact on hospitals, energy networks, transport routes, and water systems would stretch recovery efforts for decades.

Lead researcher Tina Dura emphasised that this type of disaster would not unfold slowly. “The expansion of the coastal floodplain following a Cascadia subduction zone earthquake has not been previously quantified, and the impacts to land use could significantly increase the timeline to recovery,” she said.

The study calls for urgent investment in early-warning systems, evacuation routes, and stronger building codes. It also stresses the importance of community-wide drills to prepare residents for rapid evacuation. Scientists warn that preparation today could mean the difference between survival and mass tragedy tomorrow.


Comment on Post

Leave a comment

If you have a News Orbit 360 user account, your address will be used to display your profile picture.


<h4 class=
Technology
BenQ 27-inch 500Hz gaming monitor launched in India

BenQ 27-inch 500Hz gaming monitor launched in India: Price, features and moreBenQ EX271QZ gaming monitor has launched in India, bringing a 27-inch QHD display with 500Hz refresh rate for gamers seeking faster performance and visuals. Published on: May 04

1 days ago

State-owned Central Bank of India does not expect any significant impact from the Reserve Bank of India’s expected credit loss (ECL) framework
Latest News
Central Bank of India expects limited impact from new provisioning rules

State-owned Central Bank of India does not expect any significant impact from the Reserve Bank of India’s expected credit loss (ECL) framework, managing director and CEO Kalyan Kumar said, citing adequate provisioning buffers. Under the ECL framework

1 days ago

A significant initiative has been undertaken to make learning easier and simpler for students in the 11th and 12th grades. The National Council of Educational
Education
NCERT launches free online courses for class 11 and 12 students

A significant initiative has been undertaken to make learning easier and simpler for students in the 11th and 12th grades. The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has launched free online courses aimed at providing quality education to students through digital mediums

1 days ago

The OnePlus Ace 6 was launched in China in October last year and later arrived in India in December as the rebranded OnePlus 15R. Now
Latest News
OnePlus Ace 7 launching soon

The OnePlus Ace 6 was launched in China in October last year and later arrived in India in December as the rebranded OnePlus 15R. Now, discussions around its successor, the OnePlus Ace 7, have begun to surface. A fresh rumour has revealed key specifications of the purported device

1 days ago

An Indian-origin software engineer at Microsoft has gone viral after opening up about her years-long struggle with repeated visa rejections
Latest News
Microsoft Techie Rejected 7 Times In H-1B Lottery Finally Gets Green Card

An Indian-origin software engineer at Microsoft has gone viral after opening up about her years-long struggle with repeated visa rejections, detailing how persistence and an unexpected route eventually helped her secure permanent residency in the United States

1 days ago

<h4 class=
Latest News
Who is Anu Sharma

Who is Anu Sharma? Internet curious about Indian techie who left Google to join PalantirAnu Sharma responded to the online buzz with an Instagram post. Published on: May 04, 2026 3:44 PM IST By Trisha Sengupta Share via Copy link In the middle of the 2026 Assembly Elections counting frenzy

1 days ago

At the age of 32, Rhea was busy building her career when she felt something unusual during a routine self-check. The days that followed moved quickly: doctor
Life Style
Breast Cancer Affecting Young Lives

At the age of 32, Rhea was busy building her career when she felt something unusual during a routine self-check. The days that followed moved quickly: doctor visits, tests, and then a diagnosis she never expected to hear at her age, breast cancer. Suddenly

1 days ago

Counting of votes for the five state elections is underway, with trends indicating a stronger-than-expected showing for the Bharatiya Janata Party
Business
Vijay' for Tamil Nadu

Counting of votes for the five state elections is underway, with trends indicating a stronger-than-expected showing for the Bharatiya Janata Party. The party is currently leading in West Bengal, Assam and Puducherry, ahead of rivals including Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress and the Indian

1 days ago

Elon Musk ​contacted OpenAI President Greg Brockman ​to gauge interest in a settlement two ​days before their high-stakes trial got underway in Oakland
Technology
Elon Musk sought settlement with OpenAI before Oakland trial

Elon Musk ​contacted OpenAI President Greg Brockman ​to gauge interest in a settlement two ​days before their high-stakes trial got underway in Oakland federal court, according to a new court filing. Assembly Elections 2026 When Brockman suggested both sides drop their ‌claims

1 days ago

<h4 class=
World
Low risk to public

Low risk to public, no travel restrictions needed: WHO on hantavirus outbreak on Atlantic cruise vesselThree people have succumbed to the hantavirus outbreak on an Atlantic Ocean cruise ship. Updated on: May 04, 2026 5:22 PM IST Edited by Sana Fazili Share via Copy link An outbreak of Hantavirus

1 days ago

<h4 class=
Education
DRDO Internship 2026 program launched with ₹30k stipend

DRDO Internship 2026 program launched with ₹30,000 stipend, engineering students can apply at drdo.gov.inDRDO has launched internship program for engineering students. Interns will get stipend of ₹30000 per month. Published on: May 04, 2026 4:43 PM IST By HT Education Desk | Edited by Papri

1 days ago

The Pentagon said Friday (May 1, 2025) that it has reached deals with seven tech companies to use their artificial intelligence in its classified computer
Technology
U.S. military reaches deals with 7 tech companies to use their AI on classified systems

The Pentagon said Friday (May 1, 2025) that it has reached deals with seven tech companies to use their artificial intelligence in its classified computer networks, allowing the military to tap into AI-powered capabilities to help it fight wars. Google, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, Nvidia

1 days ago

Dairy and healthy snacks brand Epigamia has appointed as its new chief executive officer.<br> Assembly Elections 2026 <br>The leadership change
Technology
Ritesh Gauba takes over as Epigamia CEO

Dairy and healthy snacks brand Epigamia has appointed as its new chief executive officer. Assembly Elections 2026 The leadership change comes , founder of Epigamia’s parent company, . He passed away at the age of 42 on December 21, 2024, following a cardiac arrest

1 days ago

<h4 class=
Education
Anshit Kumar becomes Himachal topper

Anshit Kumar becomes Himachal topper; 92.02 pc candidates pass Class 12Anshit Kumar becomes Himachal topper; 92.02 pc candidates pass Class 12 Published on: May 04, 2026 4:13 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Dharamshala/Shimla , Anshit Kumar of the Arts stream emerged as the overall topper of

1 days ago

<h4 class=
Latest News
Wedding family pays Blinkit agent with ₹2

Wedding family pays Blinkit agent with ₹2,100 currency garland, viral clip shows his amused reactionA woman paid a Blinkit delivery agent with a ₹2,100 currency garland during a wedding, leaving the internet amused. Updated on: May 04, 2026 4:42 PM IST By Mahipal Singh Chouhan Share via Copy

1 days ago

Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi loses high profile Jorhat seat in 2026 Assam polls. BJP candidate Hitendra Nath Goswami wins by 23182 votes
Latest News
Assam Polls 2026

Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi loses high profile Jorhat seat in 2026 Assam polls. BJP candidate Hitendra Nath Goswami wins by 23182 votes. Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi has lost the high-profile Jorhat Assembly seat, marking a major setback for the party in the 2026 Assam elections

1 days ago

<h4 class=
Life Style
Dietitian ranks popular sweeteners on a scale of 1 to 10

Dietitian ranks popular sweeteners on a scale of 1 to 10: Stevia, monk fruit to honey, brown sugar, jaggery, datesShweta J Panchal rates monk fruit as the best option for diabetics. She warns against artificial sweeteners. But what about alternatives like dates and honey? Published on: May 04

1 days ago

The UDF is set to form Kerala government 2026 as it leads in 97 seats. Who will be Congress CM face? Look at top contenders in the race
Latest News
UDF set to form government in Kerala

The UDF is set to form Kerala government 2026 as it leads in 97 seats. Who will be Congress CM face? Look at top contenders in the race. The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is firmly on course to form the next government in Kerala as it has crossed the majority mark in the latest

1 days ago

If squeezing in a workout feels impossible, here is some good news—you don’t always need to leave your bed to stay active. Simple
Life Style
No Time For Work Out

If squeezing in a workout feels impossible, here is some good news—you don’t always need to leave your bed to stay active. Simple, low-impact exercises done while lying down can effectively target your thigh muscles, improve control, and build strength.If squeezing in a workout feels impossible

1 days ago

<h4 class=
Technology
Law Prep Tutorial hosted Fateh 2026

Law Prep Tutorial honours 400+ CLAT 2026 achievers at ‘Fateh 2026’, awards ₹1 croreLaw Prep Tutorial held Fateh 2026 to honour CLAT achievers, awarding top-ranked students with cash prizes, trophies, and recognition for their performance. Updated on: May 04

1 days ago

<h4 class=
Entertainment
Lakshmi Manchu says Trisha Krishnan has got best birthday gift with TVK victory

Lakshmi Manchu says Trisha Krishnan has got best birthday gift with Vijay's TVK victory: ‘What a day to celebrate’Early counting trends in Tamil Nadu Assembly elections showed Vijay's party leading by 108 seats of the total 234 seats. May 4, 2026

1 days ago

Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal narrowly won the Kottarakkara constituency by 1,012 votes against former CPI(M) leader Aisha Potty
Politics
Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal registers narrow win from Kottarakkara assembly seat

Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal narrowly won the Kottarakkara constituency by 1,012 votes against former CPI(M) leader Aisha Potty, who had joined the Congress. Balagopal's victory makes him one of the few CPI(M) ministers to survive the UDF's gains in the state assembly polls

1 days ago

<h4 class=
Entertainment
Kiara Advani slams rumours of her asking Toxic makers to tone down bold scenes

Kiara Advani slams rumours of her asking Toxic makers to tone down bold scenes with YashRumours did rounds recently that Kiara Advani was uncomfortable with a romantic scene she had shot with Yash for Toxic. Here's what the actor said. May 4, 2026

1 days ago

While the Trinamool Congress (TMC) appears headed for defeat after 15 years, Abhishek Banerjee is positioned as the primary figure to lead the party’s
Latest News
Can Mamata’s Bengal Loss Be Abhishek’s Gain

While the Trinamool Congress (TMC) appears headed for defeat after 15 years, Abhishek Banerjee is positioned as the primary figure to lead the party’s eventual rebuilding efforts, despite Mamata Banerjee’s exit. Why Abhishek Banerjee could still rise, News18 explains

1 days ago

<h4 class=
Latest News
Badruddin Ajmal leads by 27

From ‘kingmaker’ to underdog: Badruddin Ajmal leads by 27,967 votes in toughest post-delimitation testBadruddin Ajmal, a veteran leader and AIUDF president, is running for the 2026 Assam Assembly from Binnakandi, leading the battle by around 27,967 votes. Published on: May 04

1 days ago

S. A. Chandrasekhar reacted with pride as his son, Vijay, continued to lead in the Tamil Nadu Assembly election results. Speaking to ANI
Entertainment
Thalapathy Vijay

S. A. Chandrasekhar reacted with pride as his son, Vijay, continued to lead in the Tamil Nadu Assembly election results. Speaking to ANI, the veteran filmmaker spoke about Vijay’s confidence and journey over the past few years. “I’m very proud and happy—both me and my wife

1 days ago

Sometimes, football really does deliver the perfect underdog story. FC Thun have been crowned Swiss Super League champions for the first time in their 128-year
Sports
A Fairytale Come True

Sometimes, football really does deliver the perfect underdog story. FC Thun have been crowned Swiss Super League champions for the first time in their 128-year history. FC Thun, who hail from Switzerland’s 11th biggest city, have done the unthinkable

1 days ago


Sing Up