US EditionAfter Tsunami Warning, Oregon Lawmaker Calls for Better Disaster Preparedness
OREGON, AUG 6 – The plan aims to enhance emergency response by funding training facilities, creating a Disaster Recovery Authority, and supporting local agencies based on specific disaster risks.
- Last week, Oregon issued tsunami alerts for coastal residents in response to hazardous water conditions and erratic wave activity triggered by a powerful earthquake near Russia.
- The warnings reached only people subscribed to OR-Alert, while local police and firefighters warned residents on the ground to stay inland, exposing gaps in alert coverage.
- State Representative Paul Evans, a veteran and former firefighter, cited declining volunteer responders, lack of standardized multi-disciplinary training, and wildfire response strains as major preparedness challenges.
- Evans described the recent tsunami alerts as a valuable rehearsal and emphasized that the state plans to treat the 2026 legislative session as a critical opportunity to enhance preparedness efforts.
- He will propose a $300 million three-pronged disaster preparedness package in early 2026, including new training facilities, a Disaster Recovery Authority, and state funding grants to local agencies.
14 Articles
14 Articles
In the wake of tsunami warning, Oregon lawmaker calls for better state disaster preparedness
State Rep. Paul Evans, D-Monmouth, will propose a $300 million package to get more disaster training facilities statewide and to create a new response office under the governor.
After tsunami warning, Oregon lawmaker calls for better disaster preparedness
Oregon state Rep. Paul Evans, D-Monmouth, has been introducing legislation to modernize the state’s emergency preparedness and response processes for years. He called the state’s tsunami warnings last week to residents on the Oregon Coast — raised due to strong currents and unpredictable waves as a result of a massive earthquake off the coast of Russia — “a good warmup.” No one was injured, and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management calle…
Oregon legislator says last week's tsunami alerts should be a warning for state to upgrade responses • Lincoln Chronicle
Rep. Paul Evans, D-Monmouth, has been introducing legislation to modernize the state’s emergency preparedness and response processes for years with little success. He called the state’s tsunami warnings last week to residents on the Oregon Coast — raised due to strong currents and unpredictable waves as a result of a massive earthquake off the coast of Russia — “a good warmup.” The post Oregon legislator says last week’s tsunami alerts should be…
In wake of tsunami advisory, Oregon lawmaker calls for better state disaster preparedness
After a tsunami advisory revealed critical gaps in Oregon’s disaster alert system, Rep. Paul Evans is proposing a $300 million plan to modernize response efforts, train volunteers, and improve statewide emergency coordination.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
