New Maps Show Less High Ground in Northwest Oregon Tsunami

New tsunami maps being reviewed in northwest Oregon show there’s less high ground than previously thought if residents have to flee the most serious earthquake and tsunami projected.

The Daily Astorian reports that Oregon officials have been showing them to city officials at council meetings recently. They’re to be released publicly on Tuesday, followed by a series of community rallies to encourage preparedness.

In Gearhart, south of Astoria, Mayor Dianne Widdop says she couldn’t sleep the night she heard about the maps. A state geology department official says they show that the city doesn’t “really have any good options for high ground.”

The maps are done with laser-based remote sensing technology.