California Faces Growing Tsunami Threat, Experts Warn

SAN FRANCISCO, California — California could soon face a severe tsunami threat as experts express rising concern over near-shore tsunamis, triggered by offshore earthquakes. These tsunamis can strike populated coastal areas in as little as 10 minutes, leaving little time for alerts.

The state’s coastline, stretching 840 miles, is at risk, with communities from bustling Los Angeles to tranquil northern shores potentially affected. According to the California Geological Survey, locally generated tsunamis could reach heights varying by location: 5 feet in Marina del Rey, 9 feet in Malibu, and up to 30 feet on Catalina Island.

Reginald Harrison, director of disaster preparedness and emergency communications for Long Beach, highlighted the unpredictability of tsunamis. “Unlike earthquakes, tsunamis provide natural warnings before they arrive. If you are near the beach, you should move to higher ground as quickly as possible,” he emphasized during Tsunami Preparedness Week.

A warning was issued for Northern California following a magnitude 7 earthquake in December 2024, underscoring the urgency of the situation. Analytics indicate that over 680,000 residents live in areas deemed vulnerable to tsunamis.

Past studies reveal that some locations, including Balboa Island and Mission Beach, are particularly hazardous when it comes to quick evacuation. Katie Eing, emergency services coordinator for Newport Beach, noted that, “A near-shore tsunami could be devastating,” affecting about 45,000 residents in the inundation zone.

The complexity of evacuation procedures complicates matters; one report indicates it may take hours to fully evacuate vulnerable areas, pushing officials to recommend sheltering in place in specific scenarios.

Experts stress the importance of being informed about local safety zones and evacuation routes, especially for those living near the coast. Improved public communication and faster warning systems are deemed essential in enhancing community safety against potential disasters.

As California confronts this emerging tsunami threat, local officials continue to work on preparedness measures to ensure the safety of their communities.