In the Wake of Today's Devastating Earthquake in Japan, National Geographic Channel to Air World Premiere Countdown to Catastrophe: Mega Quake this Sunday, March 13, at 8 p.m. ET/PT

Special Looks at What a Similar Quake Could Do to Seattle, Washington, and America's Pacific Northwest

WASHINGTON, March 11, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In light of today's devastating earthquake in Japan and the resulting tsunami barreling across the Pacific Ocean, National Geographic Channel will air the world premiere special Countdown to Catastrophe: Mega Quake this Sunday, March 13, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

Countdown to Catastrophe: Mega Quake

As the world witnesses what a devastating earthquake can do to a major metropolitan area with the catastrophe that occurred today in Japan, the question arises as to what would happen here in the U.S. if a massive earthquake hit a heavily populated city.  Scientists now believe that day could be closer than we thought.  And it's not Los Angeles or San Francisco that's in danger, but Seattle, Washington, the crown jewel of a region called Cascadia in America's Pacific Northwest.  Scientists fear Cascadia could suffer a catastrophe of global proportions: a megathrust earthquake.  It is the largest earthquake the planet can create.  In 2004, a megathrust near Indonesia triggered the tsunami that killed more than a quarter-million people.  What is the Pacific Northwest doing to prepare?  And what will happen when the megathrust strikes?  National Geographic Channel takes a very real look at this frightening possibility.

For more information, visit natgeotv.com

National Geographic Channel

Based at the National Geographic Society headquarters in Washington, D.C., the National Geographic Channel (NGC) is a joint venture between National Geographic Ventures (NGV) and Fox Cable Networks (FCN).  Since launching in January 2001, NGC initially earned some of the fastest distribution growth in the history of cable and more recently the fastest ratings growth in television.  The network celebrated its fifth anniversary in January 2006 with the launch of NGC HD, which provides the spectacular imagery that National Geographic is known for in stunning high definition.  NGC has carriage with all of the nation's major cable and satellite television providers, making it currently available in nearly 70 million homes.  For more information, please visit www.natgeotv.com.

SOURCE National Geographic Channel