Question

constructing large seawalls, using seismographs, and building at higher elevations are all ways that people try to protect themselves most directly from.

Explanation:

Constructing large seawalls can help prevent tsunami - related flooding, seismographs are used to detect earthquakes which can trigger tsunamis, and building at higher elevations reduces the risk of being affected by tsunami waves. Tsunamis are large ocean - waves often caused by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions or landslides under the sea.

Answer:

tsunamis