# AI advises climbing a palm tree to survive a tsunami (insufficient height and structural failure risk)

- **ID:** `disaster/tsunami-climb-palm-tree-myth`
- **Domain:** disaster
- **Category:** life_threatening
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 10%

## Root Cause

Palm trees are typically only 10-20 meters tall, which is insufficient to clear tsunami run-up heights that can exceed 30 meters, and the tree can be uprooted or snapped by the force of the water.

## Workarounds

1. **Evacuate vertically to a reinforced concrete building at least 30 meters above sea level. Example: 'In a tsunami warning, immediately move to the third floor or higher of a well-constructed building.'** (70% success)
   ```
   Evacuate vertically to a reinforced concrete building at least 30 meters above sea level. Example: 'In a tsunami warning, immediately move to the third floor or higher of a well-constructed building.'
   ```
2. **If no high ground is available, climb to the roof of a sturdy multi-story building. Example: 'Use the stairs to reach the roof of a hotel or office building that is at least 15 meters tall.'** (60% success)
   ```
   If no high ground is available, climb to the roof of a sturdy multi-story building. Example: 'Use the stairs to reach the roof of a hotel or office building that is at least 15 meters tall.'
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **** — Coconut trees are generally shorter than palm trees and have weaker trunks, increasing failure risk. (95% fail)
- **** — The rope can cause entanglement or strangulation when the tree is submerged or debris hits. (90% fail)
- **** — Debris impact and water turbulence make rafting on a palm tree extremely dangerous. (80% fail)