Scientists warn that a catastrophic “mega tsunami” could strike parts of the United States within our lifetimes.

The Cascadia subduction zone, a vast fault line that stretches from Northern California to Vancouver Island, is the main source of the threat. A significant earthquake here, according to experts, could sink land up to 6½ feet and cause a tsunami strong enough to wipe out entire coastal towns.

According to new research from Virginia Tech, this land sinking could significantly increase flood zones, putting thousands at risk and postponing recovery efforts. According to Tina Dura, the study’s author, “the impacts to land use could significantly increase the timeline to recovery.”

The likelihood of a magnitude 8.0 or higher earthquake occurring along Cascadia within the next 50 years is 15%, which is concerning.

However, the Pacific Northwest is not the only region at risk. Landslides and melting glaciers pose a threat to Alaska because they have the ability to quickly shift ocean water. Volcanic collapse has also produced tsunamis in Hawaii; there is proof that a 1,000-foot wave struck Lanai more than 100,000 years ago.

These dangers are found in the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is the site of some of the most powerful earthquakes and volcanic eruptions in the world due to strong tectonic activity.

Experts believe that a major Cascadia event is long overdue, having last occurred in 1700.

What are you able to do? Have a plan, register for local emergency alerts, and become familiar with evacuation routes. Scientists concur that the question is not if, but when. It’s time for people living close to the West Coast to be ready, not afraid.