UNESCO has issued a stark warning that the Mediterranean Sea is almost certain to experience a tsunami wave exceeding one meter in height within the next 30 years. This prediction is based on historical records and modern modeling that show the French Riviera is particularly vulnerable to sudden, destructive waves. Some tsunamis could reach the coast in less than 10 minutes, and past events have included waves as high as two meters, powerful currents, and significant damage and loss of life. France's national tsunami warning center, the Centre d'alerte aux tsunamis (Cenalt), is designed to alert authorities within 15 minutes of a potentially dangerous earthquake, leaving little time for reaction. In response, researchers and local officials in Nice are working to prepare for these risks. They are mapping safe evacuation routes, identifying refuge locations, and educating residents and visitors on the importance of acting quickly when a threat is detected. The goal is to make critical decisions before an emergency begins, rather than waiting for visible signs like unusual sea behavior. The Mediterranean is well-suited for generating tsunamis due to factors such as earthquakes along active underwater faults in the Ligurian Sea and sudden underwater landslides. Historically, the region has experienced numerous tsunamis, with about 20 recorded events between the 16th century and the early 2000s. Some of these have produced waves over two meters high. Notable events include a 1887 earthquake in the Ligurian Sea, a 1979 construction collapse in Nice that generated a 3.5-meter wave, and a 2003 earthquake in Algeria that affected the Riviera. Even recent events, such as a 2022 tsunami triggered by volcanic activity at Stromboli, show that such threats are not confined to the past. France has operated Cenalt since 2012, but the short time it takes for tsunamis to reach the French Riviera from nearby sources, such as North Africa or the Ligurian Sea, presents significant challenges. Local landslides, in particular, are difficult to predict because they can develop rapidly without preceding earthquake shaking. To address these risks, French government agencies and the University of Montpellier have created a coastal evacuation zone covering approximately 1,700 kilometers of coastline, 187 towns, and at least 164,000 residents. In the densely populated and tourist-heavy Nice Côte d'Azur area, the challenge is especially complex. The research team used photographs and computer modeling to estimate beach attendance and design evacuation routes that consider terrain, obstacles, walking speeds, and potential bottlenecks. Nearly 100 refuge sites have been integrated into evacuation plans. In June 2026, UNESCO recognized Nice Côte d'Azur as "Tsunami Ready," a status based on 12 criteria covering risk assessment, preparedness, and emergency response. The initiative includes public signage, evacuation drills, and educational programs involving schools and students. A public interactive platform allows residents to access evacuation information in advance of an emergency. Residents in coastal areas are advised to move inland immediately upon receiving an alert or noticing natural warning signs such as unusual sea behavior. Drivers should stop safely and then proceed on foot. During an earthquake, the priority is to protect oneself from the shaking and then move to safety as soon as possible. Following designated evacuation routes and local instructions is crucial, and waiting for a better view of the water is not advised.