Entire Earth vibrated for nine days after climate-triggered mega-tsunami
GuardianSEP 2024
Pacific-Wide Tsunami Alerts Subside Following 8.8-Magnitude Earthquake
Above: Aerial view during a tsunami warning in Buenaventura, Valle del Cauca Department, Colombia, on July 30, 2025. Image copyright: JOAQUIN SARMIENTO/AFP/Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
This earthquake is one of the most powerful seismic events in decades, ranking among the top 10 strongest ever recorded globally. Yet, the rapid response and evacuation measures across multiple countries demonstrate effective international tsunami warning systems working as designed. While initial damage appears limited, the scale of the earthquake and resulting tsunami waves justifies the extensive precautionary measures taken across the Pacific.
Narrative B
The widespread panic and mass evacuations may be disproportionate to the actual threat, with many areas experiencing waves well below initial forecasts. Hawaii residents expressed desensitization to warnings following the 2018 false missile alert, suggesting alert fatigue could undermine future emergency responses. The economic disruption from shutting down transportation, closing facilities, and evacuating millions may exceed the actual damage from modest tsunami waves.