Cascade Rising Massive Earthquake Drill Underway

Nearly 20,000 people in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and British Columbia woke up Tuesday morning to a massive 9.0 earthquake across the Cascade Subduction Zone.

Thousands were injured. Bridges destroyed. Buildings leveled. Power knocked out.

Of course, it didn't really happen. Except on paper.

It was Cascade Rising, a three-day exercise to allow officials to figure out what they know, what they don't.

The Cascade Subduction Zone is a 900-mile fault line that almost all experts agree is pretty much due for a massive earthquake.

The scenario is a 9.0 quake along the Cascade Subduction Zone unleashes massive damage as well as a major tsunami along the coast.

Officials want to find out how well they respond and how well they work together.

In addition to FEMA, the three states, and British Columbia, there are Oregon participants from the American Red Cross, 23 counties, nine tribal nations, 17 state agencies and Department and several major cities.

In all there are some 20,000 people participating.

Locally, Tuesday, Portland Fire and Rescue and the 304th Rescue Squadron Air Force Reserve Command search and rescue until performed joint rescue and recovery operations.

The drill will try to replicate all sorts of conditions that would have to be dealt with including pulling people from rubble, delivering supplies and other provisions, dealing with mass casualties.

It's expected that a 9.0 quake would destroy many of the bridges in the Portland area, leave power out throughout much of the state, knock out phone service, roads, destroy buildings.

Officials expect the conditions to be similar to what was seen when major quakes hit Japan and Indonesia.

The drill goes through Friday.