"FEMA's Oversight: Neglecting Northwest's Tsunami Risk Analysis"

The National Risk Index (NRI), a federal tool used to assess disaster risks and allocate funding, is failing to accurately account for the tsunami threat along the Cascadia Subduction Zone in the Pacific Northwest. The NRI assigns low or moderate tsunami risk ratings to areas that are projected to be severely impacted by tsunamis, putting vulnerable communities at risk. The index's flawed designations and data gaps have raised concerns among emergency managers and planners who rely on accurate risk assessments to prioritize disaster preparation and mitigation efforts. The discrepancies in the NRI's ratings highlight the need for improved tools and localized risk assessments to protect communities from the devastating impact of natural disasters.