The last big quake in this zone occurred in 1700, and such events typically happen every 400–600 years, suggesting the region is due for another.

By 2100, sea levels may rise up to 3 feet, making the impact even worse—potentially expanding the floodplain by 142 square miles, damaging infrastructure like airports, hospitals, schools, and contaminating farmland with saltwater, leading to major economic and environmental losses.

The study emphasizes that similar threats exist in other active subduction zones around the world and could inform global disaster planning.