# 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 a designated assembly point without checking local inundation maps

- **ID:** `safety/tsunami-evacuation-height-guidance`
- **Domain:** safety
- **Category:** physical_safety
- **Error Code:** `TSUNAMI-EVAC-002`
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 88%

## Root Cause

Tsunami wave heights can exceed 30 meters in some regions (e.g., Japan's Nankai Trough, Cascadia subduction zone), and local inundation maps show safe zones at varying elevations; general advice like '10 meters' may be lethal in high-risk areas.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| NOAA Tsunami Warning System v2.0 | active | — | — |
| JMA Earthquake Early Warning v3.1 | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Use local tsunami inundation maps (e.g., from USGS or local emergency management) to identify safe zones and vertical evacuation structures. Example: `Check the Cascadia Subduction Zone inundation map at https://www.usgs.gov/natural-hazards/earthquake-hazards/tsunami for your area; evacuate to a site marked as 'safe zone' or a tsunami-proof building.`** (92% success)
   ```
   Use local tsunami inundation maps (e.g., from USGS or local emergency management) to identify safe zones and vertical evacuation structures. Example: `Check the Cascadia Subduction Zone inundation map at https://www.usgs.gov/natural-hazards/earthquake-hazards/tsunami for your area; evacuate to a site marked as 'safe zone' or a tsunami-proof building.`
   ```
2. **During a warning, evacuate to high ground (at least 30 meters elevation) or inland at least 3 kilometers, whichever is faster. Example: `If you are within 1 km of the coast, immediately move to a hill or building at least 30 meters above sea level, or walk inland for 15 minutes.`** (85% success)
   ```
   During a warning, evacuate to high ground (at least 30 meters elevation) or inland at least 3 kilometers, whichever is faster. Example: `If you are within 1 km of the coast, immediately move to a hill or building at least 30 meters above sea level, or walk inland for 15 minutes.`
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **** — Going to a designated assembly point without checking local inundation maps may lead people to a zone that is underwater during a major tsunami; many assembly points are only safe for minor events. (90% fail)
- **** — Assuming 10 meters is safe ignores that tsunami run-up can be amplified by local topography (e.g., narrow bays, river mouths), causing waves to reach 20+ meters. (80% fail)
- **** — Evacuating to a building without checking its structural integrity for tsunami impact (e.g., reinforced concrete vs. wood frame) can result in collapse. (75% fail)