When a tsunami threatens the coast, evacuating quickly can save your life. The safest action depends on where you are, how much time you have, and whether safe high ground is nearby. Although tsunami events are relatively infrequent in Oman, understanding safety and evacuation procedures remains important, particularly in coastal areas or when traveling to countries with higher tsunami exposure.
There are two main ways to evacuate during a tsunami: horizontal evacuation and vertical evacuation.
Horizontal Evacuation: Move Away from the Coast
Horizontal evacuation means moving away from the shoreline toward higher ground or safer inland areas.
This is the best and preferred option because it takes people completely out of areas that may be flooded by tsunami waves.
What should you do?
- Move inland immediately.
- Stay away from beaches, harbors, rivers, and low-lying coastal areas.
Best for
✔ Areas with nearby hills or elevated terrain.
✔ Communities with enough evacuation time.
Keep in mind:
In some locations, especially flat coastal areas, reaching high ground may not be possible fast enough. If safe high ground is nearby, move there immediately.
Vertical Evacuation: Move Up When You Can’t Move Away
Vertical evacuation means moving to the upper floors of a strong, approved building when there is not enough time to evacuate inland. This option is especially important in flat coastal cities or areas where high ground is far away.
Safe places may include
- Reinforced multi-storey concrete buildings
- Designated tsunami evacuation towers
- Structures officially approved for tsunami refuge
Best for
✔ Flat coastal communities.
✔ Short-warning tsunamis arriving within minutes.
Important reminder:
Not every tall building is safe. Only buildings that are structurally assessed or officially designated should be used for tsunami evacuation. Height alone does not guarantee safety.
Which Option Should You Choose?
Whenever possible, move inland to higher ground — this is the safest choice. If there is not enough time or no nearby high ground, moving to a designated safe building may be the best option.
The key message is simple: evacuate immediately and follow official instructions.