News We Can Use... To Freak Out Over

A few days ago it was fears of a terrorist attack. Today, the AP wants us to know that Los Angeles is doomed when the mega-earthquake hits:

Major Quake Could Be Worse Than Katrina

By ERICA WERNER, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - As many as 18,000 people dead. More than $250 billion in damages. Hundreds of thousands of people left homeless. That's not the latest estimate of Hurricane Katrina's toll on the Gulf Coast. That's a worst-case scenario if a major earthquake were to hit Los Angeles.

The figures are hypothetical, from a model published in May by government researchers studying the Puente Hills fault under the city. Scientists warn that there's little doubt a major quake will hit California in coming years or decades, though many scenarios are not as disastrous as Puente Hills.

As was the case with Katrina, experts say the federal government hasn't done enough to prepare.

Rest easy tonight, Angelenos!