Scientists warn that parts of the U.S. — especially the Pacific Northwest — face a real risk of a “mega tsunami.” The danger comes from the *Cascadia subduction zone*, a massive fault line stretching from Northern California to Vancouver Island. If it erupts, it could cause the land to sink up to **6.5 feet**, leading to catastrophic flooding. “The impacts to land use could significantly increase the timeline to recovery,” said Tina Dura of Virginia Tech.

The threat isn’t just shaking — it’s what comes after: land collapse, massive waves, and widespread destruction. These tsunamis can be hundreds of feet tall and wipe out entire towns. “Cascadia is a unique place… most estuaries have a community in them,” Dura added, making them especially vulnerable.

Alaska and Hawaii are also at risk. Melting glaciers in Alaska are triggering landslides, while Hawaii’s volcanoes have a history of setting off mega tsunamis — like the 1,000-foot wave that hit Lanai 105,000 years ago.

This is part of the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” where the world’s strongest quakes and eruptions happen. The last major quake here was in 1700 — meaning another one is overdue.

Experts stress: *be prepared*. Know evacuation routes and stay alert. It’s not *if* — it’s *when*.