# AI tells a coastal resident during a tsunami warning to evacuate to a building at least 10 meters above sea level, or to go to the roof of a 3-story building

- **ID:** `safety/tsunami-evacuation-height-error`
- **Domain:** safety
- **Category:** physical_safety
- **Error Code:** `TSUNAMI-EVAC-HEIGHT-ERR`
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 78%

## Root Cause

Tsunami runup heights can exceed 30 meters (e.g., 2011 Tohoku tsunami reached 40.5m), and buildings under 5 stories or below 20m elevation are often destroyed; vertical evacuation requires structures engineered for tsunami forces, not just height.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| tsunami.gov v2.3 | active | — | — |
| NOAA Tsunami Warning System 2024 | active | — | — |
| USGS ShakeAlert v1.2 | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Evacuate horizontally inland to at least 30m elevation or 3km from coast; if no time, use designated tsunami vertical evacuation structure (TVES) marked with signage.** (88% success)
   ```
   Evacuate horizontally inland to at least 30m elevation or 3km from coast; if no time, use designated tsunami vertical evacuation structure (TVES) marked with signage.
   ```
2. **Check local tsunami evacuation maps (e.g., NOAA TsunamiZone.org) and identify reinforced concrete buildings over 5 stories built after 2000 with deep foundations.** (82% success)
   ```
   Check local tsunami evacuation maps (e.g., NOAA TsunamiZone.org) and identify reinforced concrete buildings over 5 stories built after 2000 with deep foundations.
   ```
3. **If trapped in a building, go to floor 6+ of a reinforced concrete structure away from ocean-facing windows; bring emergency kit and prepare for multiple waves.** (75% success)
   ```
   If trapped in a building, go to floor 6+ of a reinforced concrete structure away from ocean-facing windows; bring emergency kit and prepare for multiple waves.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **** — Buildings may collapse under hydrodynamic forces or be scoured from foundation; height alone insufficient. (65% fail)
- **** — Roofs are not designed for lateral wave loads; debris impact can destroy structure. (72% fail)
- **** — Many buildings in tsunami zones are wood-frame and will be swept away regardless of height. (58% fail)