A lahar from Mount Rainier could devastate towns like Orting, Puyallup, and Sumner within 30 minutes, affecting up to 60,000 residents. These mudflows can occur without warning, posing a severe risk to life and property. The region’s dense population and proximity to the volcano amplify the potential for catastrophic damage. Historical events, such as the 1985 Nevado del Ruiz lahar in Colombia, underscore the deadly nature of these phenomena.