Video: What Happens to Tacoma in an Earthquake and Tsunami Scenario

After the horrifying footage of last week’s devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan overtook TVs and computer screens around the world, local media outlets are turning their sights to theoretical natural disasters in our backyards — literally. NBC affiliate King5 produced a segment, which aired last night, that hypothesized the effects of an earthquake and resulting tsunami on the Port of Tacoma and Fife. That’s right: In addition to keeping an eye on Mount Rainier in case it erupts, Tacomans and their neighbors should also be wary of Commencement Bay water flooding the area in as little as 17 minutes. Take a look at the video below, which also emphasizes education and preparedness planning.

As noted at the end of the segment, state and city planners had been developing response plans long before disaster hit Japan. That said, the American Red Cross is still accepting donations for relief efforts there, and here's hoping our local fault lines stay quiet for the foreseeable future.