LETTER TO THE EDITOR | Let’s get prepared for a possible Whidbey tsunami

Editor, Several times now I have gone back to my computer and watched videos of the tsunami disaster in Japan and thought about how vulnerable we are here on Whidbey Island for the same thing to happen. I also wonder how many people are prepared for such a disaster. It has been estimated that even a minor ocean-born tsunami that races in through the Strait of Juan de Fuca will take out the highway and power lines in several places, leaving South Whidbey stranded without power for several weeks.

March 25, 2015 4:00 pm

Editor,

Several times now I have gone back to my computer and watched videos of the tsunami disaster in Japan and thought about how vulnerable we are here on Whidbey Island for the same thing to happen.

I also wonder how many people are prepared for such a disaster. It has been estimated that even a minor ocean-born tsunami that races in through the Strait of Juan de Fuca will take out the highway and power lines in several places, leaving South Whidbey stranded without power for several weeks.

It is hard to calculate the extent of the damage to our ferry docks, but they might be out of service for the same extended period. This would leave us with small boat travel as our only contact with the mainland.

I wonder how many beach residents are prepared for basic survival after their houses and personal possessions are destroyed.

If these things concern you and you would like to talk about them, call me at 360-320-0320 and let’s get prepared.

DAN BAKER

Langley