Dec. 13, 2025

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Will Some Coastal Communities Cease To Exisit After The Megaquake?

Professionals and locals weigh in on the future of small coastal towns after a megauqake.

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"Part of it that they underestimate the grit of the people who live here," said Waldport High School teacher Melissa Steinman. "Most of us had to deal with multiple day power outages, loss of access to our homes at some point due to flooding or sand." — 1 of 7
"Part of it that they underestimate the grit of the people who live here," said Waldport High School teacher Melissa Steinman. "Most of us had to deal with multiple day power outages, loss of access to our homes at some point due to flooding or sand."
John Rosman / OPB

"If an earthquake comes and it's as big as they say it is. I don't think we'll be here to need a plan," said Waldport resident Anne Irwin. — 2 of 7
"If an earthquake comes and it's as big as they say it is. I don't think we'll be here to need a plan," said Waldport resident Anne Irwin.
John Rosman / OPB

John Rosman — 3 of 7
John Rosman
OPB

Mark Knudson, Tualatin Water Valley District CEO answers how long it will take to restore water systems on the coast. "Depends," he said. "Areas not affected by the tsunami six months, in some cases a year. In other areas those systems don't get rebuilt." — 4 of 7
Mark Knudson, Tualatin Water Valley District CEO answers how long it will take to restore water systems on the coast. "Depends," he said. "Areas not affected by the tsunami six months, in some cases a year. In other areas those systems don't get rebuilt."
John Rosman / OPB

Robert Underwood has lived in Waldport for over 40 years. He feels prepared for any looming threat. "Being raised Mormon we stockpile stuff for emergencies," he said. "I got rice, I got noodles. I probley got enough to last my family six months." — 5 of 7
Robert Underwood has lived in Waldport for over 40 years. He feels prepared for any looming threat. "Being raised Mormon we stockpile stuff for emergencies," he said. "I got rice, I got noodles. I probley got enough to last my family six months."
John Rosman / OPB

"Who knows exactly how long the highways will end up being closed. We'll basically become an island," said Dennis Cannon Fire Chief at the Central Oregon Coast. — 6 of 7
"Who knows exactly how long the highways will end up being closed. We'll basically become an island," said Dennis Cannon Fire Chief at the Central Oregon Coast.
John Rosman / OPB

Chris Wanner Director of Operations at the Portland Water Bureau. — 7 of 7
Chris Wanner Director of Operations at the Portland Water Bureau.
John Rosman / OPB

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