California Coastal Damage Estimated at $50 Million

Recovery estimates could rise, says expert

Tsunami warnings and advisories may be lifted for California, but according to a new report, the recovery effort could cost millions.

Experts told the Los Angeles Times that the damage totals $50 million, and that number may be on the rise.

"It's going to go up. How far up, I'm not going to predict. This is an expensive event for California -- and Oregon," Lori Dengler, of Humboldt State University, told the newspaper.

An 8.9-magnitude earthquake off the northeast coast of Japan last week caused a tsunami that killed hundreds of people before traveling across the Pacific Ocean and temporarily elevating surf levels on parts of the California coast.

The bulk of the California damage was reported in Crescent City and Santa Cruz. An estimated 100 boats were damaged in Santa Cruz, and the recovery's price tag for that harbor was estimated at $17.1 million.

In Southern California, at least eight boats capsized near Santa Catalina Island. Boats were also damaged in San Diego.

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