Tsunami warnings often fall short in translating to effective evacuations across Pacific Island and Hawaiʻi coastal communities.

The disconnect between alerts and action stems from language barriers, unfamiliar evacuation routes, and a lack of community-specific preparedness programs. These gaps can lead to higher casualties and property damage during actual events.

Communities need clear instructions in multiple languages and well-marked escape routes to ensure everyone knows what to do when the warning sounds.

Long-term vulnerability remains high as climate change intensifies extreme weather, potentially increasing tsunami risks. Without robust local preparedness measures, these communities face severe threats.

Can local infrastructure withstand future compounding shocks?

Communities must invest in multilingual alert systems and community-led evacuation drills to bolster resilience against tsunamis. Infrastructure improvements alone are insufficient without addressing the human element of preparedness.

Investment in local readiness is critical.