Thursday’s Tsunami Warning is a Reminder that Oregon Coast Has Experienced 21 Tsunamis Since 1854

Although Thursday’s tsunami warning was canceled about an hour later, Oregonians should remember that their coastline has been subjected to 21 tsunamis since 1854.

In the wake of the tsunami warning along the Oregon-California coastline, Oregon coastal dwellers are urged to be well prepared for future emergencies like tsunamis and earthquakes.

Warning Issued After a 7.0 Magnitude Earthquake

Thursday’s warning followed a 7.0 magnitude earthquake off the northern California coast in the Mendocino Triple Junction that marks the intersection of the boundaries of three tectonic plates.

The warning affected the coastal area from the Lane County border to Davenport in California and was issued at 10.49 a.m. by the National Tsunami Warning Center. However, it was canceled at 11.54 a.m. when no tsunami waves occurred along the Oregon coastline. Structural damage was caused in Eureka.

According to the Oregon Government website, 21 tsunamis have occurred along the Oregon coast since 1854. The last two damaging tsunamis were in 1964 after the Great Alaskan Earthquake, and in 2011 after the Great Tohoku Japan Earthquake that caused extensive damage and killed four people along the Oregon coast.

Government Website Urges Residents to Drop, Cover and Hold On

The website explains that a tsunami may be imminent if people living near the coast ‘feel a large earthquake, see a sudden rise or draining of ocean waters, or hear a loud roar from the ocean.’

During an earthquake, Oregonians are advised to ‘Drop, Cover, and Hold On’ until the danger passes when the shaking stops.

The website advises residents to walk inland and onto high ground where they should remain until all signs of danger pass.

‘Do not wait for an official warning. A tsunami could come ashore in a few minutes,’ is the advice.

Tim Clements, a research geophysicist with the USGS, said the same region experienced a 6.4 earthquake on Dec. 20, 2022, a 6.2 on Dec. 20, 2021, and 6.6 on Dec. 8, 2016.

The earthquake was felt by 13,000 people, with most reports emanating from the Medford area, and north.

The event tested the ShakeAlert early warning system, with at least half a million people in Oregon and California receiving phone alerts.