Past tsunami event could be valuable lesson

To The Eagle:

As a property owner with Columbia River frontage, I am concerned about the possibility of a tsunami event.

As a member of the Elliot family, I learned of a tidal wave that took the buildings from our dock at Dahlia. This event happened in the 1930s or 1940s. I don't know what caused it or if it went upstream or downstream, but to the best of my knowledge, it happened.

I think that event should be researched and evaluated for possible reoccurrence. That wave could have come from the ocean or been generated by a landslide on the banks of the Columbia. Learning from past events is proactive.

I think the response by the authorities was appropriate. It does sound like the dispatcher could have used some more help and if an emergency had been declared, having another person already in the dispatch center may have been a good choice. It's a possible lesson from this event.

Rich Trojan

Craig, Alaska