Tofino tsunami study warns of severe damage in extreme Cascadia event

A new study on earthquake and tsunami risk along the Cascadia Subduction Zone says Tofino, B.C., could face major flooding, heavy structural damage and hundreds of possible fatalities in an extreme scenario. The research, led by Western University associate professor Katsu Goda, focuses on how a large offshore earthquake could affect the Vancouver Island town, especially during the busy tourist season when the population grows well beyond its permanent residents. The study estimates that about half of Tofino's buildings could be exposed to tsunami inundation and that direct property losses could exceed $1 billion. Officials and researchers say the main challenge is speed. In a local Cascadia tsunami, strong shaking would be the first warning, and people may have only minutes to reach higher ground. Tofino emergency coordinator Hilary O'Reilly said the district is working with tourism operators and reviewing options such as vertical evacuation structures for people who cannot get to high ground in time.