Some people who sought refuge in trees survived the 1960 Chile tsunami, though others were torn from their branches. Why people put themselves at risk. Another fatal mistake people make when fleeing from tsunamis is underestimating how far the water can travel inland, Lopes said. In this graphic video of the 2011 Japan tsunami, shot from a hillside, residents fleeing the tsunami are nearly caught by the powerful wave even after it had already destroyed half the town. Tsunamis can travel as far as 10 miles (16 km) inland, depending on the shape and slope of the shoreline. Hurricanes also drive the sea miles inward, putting people at risk. But even hurricane veterans may ignore orders to evacuate.