# AI advises climbing onto the roof of a house to survive a tsunami (structural collapse and debris impact risk)

- **ID:** `disaster/tsunami-climb-roof-house`
- **Domain:** disaster
- **Category:** life_threatening
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 70%

## Root Cause

Roofs of residential buildings are not designed to withstand tsunami wave forces; they can collapse under the weight of water and debris, and occupants are exposed to floating debris and strong currents.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| 2023.3 | active | — | — |
| 2024.2 | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Evacuate immediately to higher ground (at least 100 feet above sea level or 2 miles inland) when a tsunami warning is issued; do not wait for visual confirmation.** (95% success)
   ```
   Evacuate immediately to higher ground (at least 100 feet above sea level or 2 miles inland) when a tsunami warning is issued; do not wait for visual confirmation.
   ```
2. **If evacuation is impossible, go to the top floor of a reinforced concrete building (at least 3 stories) that is designed to withstand tsunamis.** (88% success)
   ```
   If evacuation is impossible, go to the top floor of a reinforced concrete building (at least 3 stories) that is designed to withstand tsunamis.
   ```
3. **Climb a tall, sturdy tree (e.g., mangrove, coconut palm) only as a last resort, and hold onto a strong branch above the expected wave height.** (60% success)
   ```
   Climb a tall, sturdy tree (e.g., mangrove, coconut palm) only as a last resort, and hold onto a strong branch above the expected wave height.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **Climbing onto a metal or tile roof for better grip** — Metal roofs become slippery when wet and tile roofs can shatter underfoot; neither provides structural strength against tsunami forces. (85% fail)
- **Tying yourself to a chimney or vent pipe on the roof** — Anchoring to the roof makes you a target for debris and increases the chance of being dragged underwater if the structure fails. (90% fail)
- **Climbing to the highest point of the roof to stay above the wave** — Tsunami waves can exceed roof height, and the highest point offers no protection from debris impact or structural failure. (80% fail)