Japanese Tsunami Marine Debris Update

February 23 – Latest Japanese Tsunami Marine Debris Update
On February 23, Oregon Office of Emergency Management, along with other state agencies received an update on the Japanese Tsunami Marine Debris issue. Following is the most current information NOAA has on this potential issue. As updates are made available we will post them to our website.

It is estimated that during the Earthquake and tsunami that occurred last year in Japan, approximately 25 million tons of debris was generated. This does not mean that 25 million tons of debris ended up in the sea. The quantity and composition of the debris in the sea is unknown. It is highly unlikely that there are any human remains or anything that is radioactive.

Much of the debris has dispersed over a very wide area or sunk to the bottom of the sea and is no longer detectable by satellite. Debris travel is not an exact science but experts agree that it is going every which way with the wind and the tides and is not in large concentrations.

Sightings of debris at sea have consistently gone down in number with a high of approximately 100 sightings in July, 2011 down to 0 sightings in December, 2011. Recovered debris has not been radioactive. Japanese debris has washed up on our shores for years and it is too early for some of the recent debris found on land to be from this particular event.

For more information from NOAA please go to: http://marinedebris.noaa.gov/info/japanfaqs.html#FAQs
If you find items on the beach and wish to report them, please email disasterdebris@noaa.com

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Governor Kitzhaber Applauds Federal Approval for Curry County Disaster Assistance

(SALEM, Ore.) –The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced it will fund repairs and replace damaged public infrastructure in Curry County just four days after Governor Kitzhaber sent a formal request for a Federal Disaster Declaration to President Obama. The Port of Brookings-Harbor was damaged by tsunami waves that hit the Oregon Coast on March 11. “I am grateful for the speed with which our Federal partners have made this assistance available,” Governor Kitzhaber said. “It will help us quickly rebuild the port and get Oregonians back to work.” State and federal disaster assessment teams estimated damages at $6.7 million to the Port of Brookings- Harbor. Curry County met the state’s criteria to request federal disaster assistance. FEMA will now begin working with Curry County and the state Office of Emergency Management on scopes of work, design and construction schedules and reimbursements. The Federal share of assistance is not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost for emergency measures and permanent restoration. The remaining 25 percent is the responsibility of the applicant. With the Federal declaration, damage assessments will begin in Coos and Lincoln Counties, where ports were also damaged, to determine if they meet assistance thresholds. “We’ll continue to work with Curry County until they are back on their feet. We’re also looking toward the future to make sure we’re prepared for an emergency,” said Kitzhaber. Attached is a summary of the Federal Disaster Declaration. The Governor’s website has easy access to make donations to recovery efforts in Curry County and in Japan. For more information please visit: http://www.governor.oregon.gov/ For more information about FEMA’s Public Assistance Program: http://www.fema.gov/government/grant/pa/index.shtm For the formal request to President Obama: http://governor.oregon.gov/Gov/docs/032111presidentobama.pdf

Health Dept. info line and website on Radiation

The Dept. of Health has set up an information line for people who have questions about the radiation and other issues from the Japan Nuclear accidents.

The Number is 877-290-6767.

There is also a web page where you can find important current information on any monitoring of Oregon's exposure. The webpage is http://public.health.oregon.gov/Preparedness/CurrentHazards/Pages/index.aspx

Oregon Public Health web site link - KI pills are not necessary

There is NO NEED to take potasium iodide pills (KI) It is not necessary, not appropriate and is not safe!!! These pills are only used at the site of the accident. Also, people can overdose on these and they can be dangerous for pregnant women.

Do not worry! Nothing has been detected and there is no expectation of an contamination here.

Use this link for more information concerning the Japan nuclear issue and how it will not affect Oregon.

http://public.health.oregon.gov/Preparedness/CurrentHazards/Pages/index.aspx

There are monitoring stations throughout the country.

Japan Earthquake will cause Oregon Tsunami

Good morning readers. As you know, Japan had an 8.9 earthquake last night. This has caused tsunami warnings all along our coast. The warning means that a tsunami with significan widespread inundation is imminent or expected. Dangerous coastal flooing accompanied by powerful currents is possible and may continue for several hours after the initial wave arrival.

We are expecting waves from 3 1/2 feet to 6 1/2 feet. The farther south you go on the coast, the higher the wave will be. Arrival time is between 7:15 and 7:30.

Please stay away from the beach! Coastal communities are evacuating away from the immediate coast.

Thank you. Be careful.