The news coming out of Nepal is devastating: thousands killed and injured, towns destroyed and remote villages going days without help after a massive earthquake. The focus in the country and beyond is on relief, as it should be. The efforts by Vashon Islanders to give assistance are commendable. But as we watch and try to help from afar, let’s also consider our own preparedness for a major quake.

Experts say the Nepal earthquake was predicted. They knew it would happen at some point. Likewise, a major quake is predicted along the Cascadia fault, which runs along the West Coast of the United States. A recent study found that there’s a 40 percent chance a massive earthquake of magnitude 8.0 or higher could occur along this fault in the next 50 years. The Tacoma Fault also poses a threat and could also produce a large quake and tsunami.

We’re fortunate that our infrastructure is more developed than that of Nepal’s, and we can hope for adequate government response. But a large earthquake like this will cause widespread destruction no matter what. And it’s going to happen; what’s not known is when.

Residents of Vashon are especially vulnerable to such a quake. On an island, we’ll have fewer resources — food, shelter and medical care — in a widespread emergency, and we could be cut off from the mainland for a time. Many of us live somewhat isolated down backroads or long driveways. It may be difficult for aid to make it to the island, and we may not be a priority when there’s great need in more populated in areas.

By now, many islanders have heard the message of preparedness broadcast by the staunch volunteers of VashonBePrepared and discussed in the pages of The Beachcomber. But so many of us still haven’t acted, haven’t taken simple steps to see that our homes or families are as prepared as possible to weather a disaster. It’s hard to imagine a devastating earthquake such as the one in Nepal happening here at home, but experts say the risk is very real. What we do now could determine how we and our families fare when the unthinkable happens.

To contribute to relief efforts in Nepal, consider attending an upcoming fundraiser on Vashon (see story, page 1) or choose a respected relief organization to give to. For information on preparing for an earthquake or other disaster, see vashonbeprepared.org.