Source: Earth Sciences New Zealand
New social science research is helping strengthen tsunami safety messaging by showing how people understand evacuation maps, natural warnings and official alerts.
A study led by Earth Sciences NZ researchers and published in the International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction explores how people understand common tsunami evacuation map designs. The team surveyed more than 1,100 people about tsunami risk, what they expect from warnings, and what they would do in response to a tsunami threat.
The findings show that public awareness of tsunami risk and evacuation zones is generally high. Around 3 in 4 people also understand that a long or strong earthquake can be a natural warning of a tsunami.
But the research also identified some important gaps. About a quarter of participants did not fully understand the need to evacuate immediately after recognising natural warning signs. Many expected an emergency mobile alert to warn them about a local-source tsunami (a tsunami that arrives within an hour), even though a tsunami generated close to the coast can arrive before an official warning can be issued.
The researchers say the results reinforce the importance of keeping tsunami safety messages clear, consistent and easy to remember.
“Kiwis are increasingly aware that a long or strong earthquake can be a warning of a tsunami, but there is still a critical moment when clear advice can make the difference between waiting and acting,” says Dr Mary Anne Clive, Earth Sciences NZ Social Scientist and lead author of the study.
“For a local-source tsunami, there is often not time for an official warning. People need to act immediately. That’s why messages like ‘Long or Strong, Get Gone’ are so important – they give people a simple action to remember when every second counts,” she says.
Tsunami safety depends not only on understanding the hazard, but also on how clearly that information is communicated before an emergency. By testing how people interpret maps and warnings, researchers can help agencies develop ways to communicate that are easy to understand and act on under pressure.
The study found that while map designs performed similarly on multiple measures, maps with a single evacuation zone were associated with higher risk perceptions. People shown a single evacuation zone reported higher levels of concern in a tsunami threat scenario than those shown maps with multiple zones. This suggests that simpler public-facing maps may help reinforce the seriousness of the hazard.
Dr Clive explains: “Effective map designs and risk communication can help reduce uncertainty when every minute matters. Our findings suggest that one big eye-catching tsunami evacuation zone could have cognitive benefits to help people act quickly.
“Evidence like this can help emergency managers give people the best possible chance of making safe decisions quickly,” she says.
Dr Clive adds: “Our research helps build an evidence base to support evacuation map design, public education and warning communication. It confirms an approach that combines simple, visible evacuation maps with repeated advice about natural warning signs and the importance of evacuating quickly.”
This and other social science research supported the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in updating their Tsunami Evacuation Director’s Guidelines in 2025. This guidance requests that all Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Groups and local authorities move to using one Blue Zone for tsunami evacuation zones, routes, maps and signs by mid 2031.
All of New Zealand’s coastline and large lakes are at risk from tsunamis. Knowing the warning signs and the right action to take can help save lives.
If you are near the coast or a lake and if you feel a Long (more than a minute) or Strong (hard to stand) earthquake, or receive an emergency mobile alert for a tsunami, Get Gone to higher ground, or as far inland as possible immediately. Do not wait for an official warning.
Know your local evacuation zone and route, practise how you would leave quickly, and plan how you would act if you are visiting an unfamiliar coastal area. Check out the National Emergency Management Agency’s website for more advice: https://getready.govt.nz/emergency/tsunami.