Experts have issued a stark warning about the possibility of a massive 8.0-magnitude earthquake striking the U.S. within the next 50 years—potentially the most powerful in over 300 years. The earthquake is expected to originate from the Cascadia Subduction Zone, a 600-mile fault line stretching from Northern California to Southern British Columbia. If it occurs, the quake could trigger a “mega tsunami” with waves as high as 1,000 feet, capable of wiping out entire coastal communities. According to a study by Virginia Tech published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, such an event could also cause the land along the Pacific coast to sink by as much as 6.5 feet, dramatically expanding coastal floodplains and hindering recovery efforts.

The study highlights the compounded risks facing Alaska, Hawaii, and the U.S. West Coast due to their proximity to active volcanoes, landslide zones, and earthquake-prone regions. Historical evidence of such destruction exists in the form of “ghost forests” along the Pacific Northwest—remnants from the last major event in 1700. If a similar earthquake struck today, it could impact more than 14,000 residents, destroy over 22,000 structures, and submerge nearly 800 miles of roadway, according to projections. Researchers stress the urgency of preparation, citing both seismic threats and rising sea levels, which are expected to increase by three feet by 2100. The findings aim to inform policymakers and residents to bolster resilience and protect critical coastal infrastructure and ecosystems.