November 5 is World Tsunami Awareness Day – a timely reminder of the importance of being prepared, wherever your travels may take you.
At World Travel Protection, in partnership with our intelligence provider Riskline, we’re seeing an increase in severe and frequent weather events across the globe. Tsunamis, tropical storms and floods are becoming more common, and their ripple effects on travel and safety can be significant.
As Marco Túlio Lara, Americas Analyst at Riskline explains: “Tsunami alerts sent to travellers have more than doubled in 2025 compared to this time last year. Tropical storm and flood alerts have also surged globally, impacting travel safety across Africa, Asia and the Americas.”
A Surge in Tsunami Activity
Data from Riskline shows a sharp rise in tsunami alerts over the past three years. Between January 2023 and September 2025, tsunami alerts have risen by 176%, with a 155% increase in the last year.
The Asia–Pacific region is the most active region, accounting for more than 60% of all tsunami alerts since 2023. But 2025 has also seen growing activity across other regions – particularly in the Americas and Europe, both recording their highest totals on record. The single biggest surge came in July 2025, when 99 tsunami alerts were recorded in just one month – likely linked to clustered seismic or volcanic events.
Understanding the Risks
Tsunamis are usually triggered by undersea earthquakes along tectonic plate boundaries, but they can also result from volcanic eruptions or landslides. Many countries prone to tsunamis now operate early warning systems using seismic sensors, ocean buoys and public alert systems. However, local infrastructure and maintenance standards vary, which can limit their effectiveness.
As Rodger Cook, General Manager of Global Security Servies at World Travel Protection, explains: “If you’re in a known tsunami zone, it’s important that you’re familiar with the evacuation plans.
“Signage is rarely visible at night and in some countries the early warning equipment may be poorly maintained and will not work as intended. While tsunami warnings can follow a large earthquake, the impact of the tsunami can be far wider than that of the earthquake – and it may arrive with little warning.”
“Knowing what to do in a tsunami when you’re on holidays or on a business trip can make all the difference. Before you leave your accommodation, check news or government websites to see if the warning is affecting your area. Speak to your accommodation provider about evacuation plans. If your area is affected, stay calm and follow local authorities’ instructions.”
How to Prepare When Travelling
Here are five simple steps to stay safe if you’re travelling in an area at risk of tsunamis or extreme weather:
1. Know your options: Locate marked evacuation routes, identify high ground or tall buildings that allow access to higher floors.
2. Check local sources: Follow the direction of your accommodation provider and rely on official government alerts and local news, not unverified social media posts.
3. Download an alert app: Download an app like Travel Assist to receive real-time alert warnings and two-way support.
4. Plan around your health needs: Pack essential medication, monitor updates, and be ready to adjust plans as needed.
5. Stay connected: Share your itinerary with family and colleagues and agree how to reach each other in an emergency.
Travel Prepared. Travel With Confidence.
World Tsunami Awareness Day is a reminder that while we can’t prevent natural disasters, we can reduce their impact through planning, awareness and smart use of technology.
If your organisation needs help developing emergency travel plans, our team of travel risk and security experts can help.
