# AI advises climbing to the top floor of a building during a tsunami if it is more than 3 stories tall (underestimates wave height and structural collapse)

- **ID:** `disaster/tsunami-climb-building-myth`
- **Domain:** disaster
- **Category:** life_threatening
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 75%

## Root Cause

Tsunami wave heights can exceed 10 meters (33 feet) and strike with immense force, making 3-story buildings insufficient and prone to structural failure from debris impact and hydrodynamic loading.

## Workarounds

1. **Evacuate to higher ground (at least 30 meters / 100 feet above sea level) or 3 km inland, or to a designated vertical evacuation structure engineered for tsunamis.** (90% success)
   ```
   Evacuate to higher ground (at least 30 meters / 100 feet above sea level) or 3 km inland, or to a designated vertical evacuation structure engineered for tsunamis.
   ```
2. **If no higher ground is available, move to the highest floor of a reinforced concrete building with a deep foundation and stay away from windows.** (60% success)
   ```
   If no higher ground is available, move to the highest floor of a reinforced concrete building with a deep foundation and stay away from windows.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **** — Rooftops are exposed to debris and waves that can sweep people off; buildings may also collapse from the base, trapping occupants. (70% fail)
- **** — Non-engineered buildings (e.g., wood-frame or masonry) are vulnerable to collapse from wave impact and debris, regardless of height. (65% fail)