New research finds increased tsunami risk for California Coast

New findings by the U.S. Geological Survey show the Central Coast could be in danger of a looming tsunami and it could be more devastating than anything seen in the past century.

Scientists recently reported we’re not necessarily in immediate danger but their concern is tied to a trench in Alaska that’s been dormant for more than 200 years.

They said when a trench doesn’t move for that long, pressure builds until it unzips. When that happens geologists said the Central Coast is at risk of a facing a major tsunami.

More than $14 million in damage was left behind, after a tsunami hit the Santa Cruz Harbor in March 2011. That tsunami was brought on by a series of waves after an earthquake in Japan

Geologists said the Pacific Plate within the trench, located along the Aleutian Islands, is pushing up against the North American Plate, causing tension. That’s concerning because according to the study, it is pointing right at California.

“Well the county is tsunami ready community as designated by the nation weather service and as such we have formalized tsunami plan on how to act recover a responded from a tsunami,” said Santa Cruz County Emergency Services Manager Rosemary Anderson.

Anderson said a command center is ready for most any type of natural disaster, including a tsunami

“As a tsunami ready community we partner with all the area schools and local jurisdictions and constituencies, to make sure they are also ready and prepared and know what to do in the event of tsunami,” Anderson said.

Monterey County said it’s also prepared with a response plan in place.

“With public safety we have predetermined in that playbook what exactly resources needed to be deployed depending on the recommended actions by the state,” Monterey County Office of Emergency Services Manager Sherie Collins said.

Emergency crews say if you ever feel the earth move at the beach it could be dangerous, if that happens move to higher ground.