Crescent City Reels: Tsunami Damage Exceeds $1 Million

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Crescent City Harbor Assessing Damage After Recent tsunami Surge

Crescent city, CA – Crescent City Harbor is undergoing a rapid damage assessment following a tsunami event last week. Initial reports indicate significant damage to “H” Dock,including compromised electrical conduits,water lines,and fire suppression systems.

harbor officials report ample sediment and debris accumulation within the harbor basin, necessitating extensive dredging to restore navigable depths. Repair costs are expected to be higher than typical land-based projects due to the specialized labor required for underwater construction.

The Harbor District is working to meet a critical deadline: California law mandates a local emergency declaration within 10 days of a disaster to qualify for state and federal aid. The Del Norte County Board of Supervisors is anticipated to issue this proclamation later this week.

Fortunately, no boats were damaged, and no injuries were reported during the recent surge.

This event highlights Crescent city’s vulnerability to tsunamis. The harbor sustained $50 million in damage during a 2011 tsunami triggered by the Japanese earthquake. Following that disaster, the inner boat basin underwent a major reconstruction to improve tsunami resilience. Improvements included upgrading pilings to 30-inch steel driven 21-37 feet into bedrock – a significant increase from the previous 16-inch pilings anchored only 10 feet deep.

H Dock was specifically engineered to absorb wave energy and protect interior docks. Officials credit these post-2011 infrastructure improvements with preventing more severe damage this time.

“The infrastructure built after 2011 saved vessels and lives,” stated a communication from local officials. The current situation presents an possibility to further enhance the harbor’s defenses.Crescent City’s geographic location – its low elevation, Pacific exposure, and the shape of the continental shelf – makes it particularly susceptible to tsunami impacts.Since 1933, 42 tsunamis have been recorded in the city, including the devastating 1964 event that claimed 11 lives and leveled 29 city blocks, earning Crescent City the nickname “Comeback Town.”

Link to CalOES Emergency Proclamation Information

Link to LA Times article on Crescent City Tsunamis

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What financial assistance is available to businesses and homeowners impacted by the tsunami?

Immediate Impacts & Damage Assessment

As of today, August 5th, 2025, the coastal city of Crescent City, California is grappling with the aftermath of a significant tsunami event. Initial damage assessments now exceed $1 million, impacting both public infrastructure and private property. The tsunami, triggered by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in the Aleutian Islands,struck the California coastline late yesterday evening.

Here’s a breakdown of the immediate impacts:

Harbor Damage: Crescent City’s harbor, a vital economic hub for the region’s fishing industry, sustained substantial damage. Docks were ripped apart, boats were tossed ashore, and critical loading equipment has been rendered unusable. repair estimates for the harbor alone are projected to be upwards of $600,000.

Coastal Flooding: Low-lying coastal areas experienced significant flooding, inundating homes and businesses. Water levels reached as high as 8 feet in some areas, carrying debris and causing widespread structural damage.

Road Closures: Several key roadways along the coast are currently closed due to debris, flooding, and structural concerns. This is hindering emergency response efforts and impacting access for residents. Highway 101 remains partially open with delays.

Power Outages: Thousands of residents are without power as an inevitable result of damaged electrical infrastructure. utility crews are working around the clock to restore service, but full restoration is not expected for several days.

Minor Injuries: While thankfully no fatalities have been reported,several individuals sustained minor injuries during the evacuation and immediate aftermath of the tsunami.

Specific Areas Affected & Damage Details

The hardest-hit areas within crescent City include:

Del Norte County regional Airport: Experienced minor flooding of the runway, temporarily halting flights. Operations are expected to resume within 24-48 hours.

Battery Point Lighthouse: While the lighthouse structure itself appears to be intact, the surrounding grounds and access road were severely damaged by wave action.

Ocean View Drive: Homes and businesses along Ocean View Drive suffered the most significant damage, with many structures experiencing partial or complete collapse.

Downtown Crescent City: Businesses in the downtown core experienced flooding and debris damage, leading to temporary closures.

Economic Repercussions: Impact on Local Industries

The tsunami’s impact extends far beyond physical damage. Crescent City’s economy, heavily reliant on fishing, tourism, and port activity, is facing significant disruption.

Fishing Industry: The damage to the harbor has effectively shut down commercial fishing operations. This will have a ripple affect throughout the local economy,impacting processors,suppliers,and related businesses. The Dungeness crab season, a crucial revenue source, is now in jeopardy.

Tourism: The closure of beaches, damage to coastal attractions, and negative publicity surrounding the disaster are expected to deter tourists, impacting hotels, restaurants, and other tourism-related businesses.

Port Operations: Disruption to port operations will impact the flow of goods and materials, perhaps leading to supply chain issues for businesses in the region.

Evacuation Orders & Current Safety Guidelines

Evacuation orders were initially issued for all coastal areas of Del Norte County yesterday evening. While most orders have been lifted, residents are urged to remain vigilant and heed the following safety guidelines:

1. Stay away from the Coast: Avoid beaches, harbors, and other coastal areas until further notice.
2. Report Damage: Report any damage to your property to local authorities. This information is crucial for damage assessment and aid distribution.
3. Be Aware of Aftershocks: While the initial earthquake has passed, aftershocks are possible. Be prepared to drop, cover, and hold on if you feel any shaking.
4. Follow Official Updates: Stay informed by monitoring official news sources and emergency alerts. The Del Norte County Office of Emergency Services website (https://www.delnorteofficeofemergency.org/) is a reliable source of information.
5. Boil Water Advisory: A boil water advisory is currently in effect for several areas of Crescent City. Residents are advised to boil water for at least one minute before using it for drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth.

Long-Term Recovery & Mitigation Efforts

The road to recovery will be long and challenging. Local, state, and federal agencies are working together to provide assistance to affected residents and businesses.

FEMA Assistance: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is deploying teams to assess damage and provide disaster relief assistance. Residents can apply for assistance online at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/.

Small Business Governance (SBA) Loans: The SBA is offering low-interest disaster loans to businesses and homeowners affected by the tsunami.

Infrastructure Repairs: Extensive repairs to the harbor,roadways,and other critical infrastructure will be required. Funding for these repairs is being sought from state and federal sources.

Tsunami Preparedness: This event underscores the importance of tsunami preparedness. Local officials are reviewing existing emergency plans and exploring options for improving early warning systems and evacuation procedures. Investing in resilient infrastructure and promoting public awareness are crucial steps in mitigating the impact of future tsunami events.

resources & Support

* Del Norte County Office of Emergency Services: (530) 46