Contrary to popular belief, Chula Vista, as shoreline community, has the potential to be impacted by a tsunami. Although the impact of a tsunami is greater to those cities directly along the coast of the Pacific Ocean, the Chula Vista bayfront, surrounding communities, and visitors of the area should be aware of the tsunami threat.  

There are two sources for tsunamis, distant source tsunamis and local source tsunamis.  

• A distant source tsunami occurs because of an earthquake in another region (most likely off the coasts of Japan, Alaska, Hawaii, and Chile). Distant source tsunamis can range from a few to several hours before reaching our coast.  

• Local source tsunamis happen just off of our coasts of Southern California and arrive much sooner than distant source tsunamis. 

A major tsunami-producing earthquake will likely shake the ground strongly for 30 seconds or longer. A good habit is to count how long earthquake shaking lasts. If you are on the coast and count 20 seconds of very strong ground shaking, you should evacuate as soon as it is safe to do so. 

Tsunami Hazard Map

The California Geological Survey updated the tsunami hazard maps in 2024 to help Californians better understand the tsunami hazard and take action to prepare for tsunamis.  

Explore the interactive map to increase awareness about the tsunami zones in Chula Vista: https://www.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/tsunami/maps

Four Simple Steps to be Tsunami Ready

1. Know the signs of a tsunami. As a tsunami approaches the shoreline, water may recede from the coast, exposing the ocean floor, reefs and fish. 
2. Familiarize yourself with flood areas and evacuation routes. 
3. If you are along the coast/bay and feel shaking, move inland and/or move to higher elevation as soon and as safely as possible. 
4. Never go to the coast/bay to watch for a tsunami. Tsunamis move faster than a person can run, and incoming traffic can hamper safe and timely evacuations.  

Chula Vista Tsunami Hazard and Evacuation Map

Additional Tsunami Resources