Very much agree. But the tone of the article is concerning some kind of widespread catastrophe, and whereas a lahar can be catastrophic to those in its path, people 5 miles away might be entirely unaffected. Fortunately or unfortunately for those in its immediate path, the major risks between the mountain and Puget Sound are pretty well known and mapped out.
“..people 5 miles away might be entirely unaffected.”
I wonder though on the supply routes for food, etc. into Seattle from points south along I-5. Although I-5 was shut down a few years ago for a week or so due to flooding and we survived that okay. But it would be several months I would think to get it open after a major lahar.
But still - a pretty localized event. I guess for some perspective look at Hurricane Katrina. A HUGE area was put into chaos, but Civilization didn’t crumble.