# AI tells a coastal resident during a tsunami warning to evacuate to a building at least 10 meters above sea level, or to a designated shelter 100 meters inland

- **ID:** `safety/tsunami-evacuation-height-myth`
- **Domain:** safety
- **Category:** runtime_error
- **Error Code:** `TSUNAMI-EVAC-003`
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 80%

## Root Cause

Tsunami runup can exceed 30 meters in some regions (e.g., 2011 Tohoku runup reached 40 meters), and 100 meters inland is insufficient in low-lying areas; safe zones are defined by local tsunami inundation maps, not universal numbers.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| NOAA TsunamiReady Guidelines 2023 | active | — | — |
| USGS Tsunami Inundation Maps 2024 | active | — | — |
| Pacific Tsunami Warning Center SOP 2023 | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Check local tsunami evacuation maps (e.g., https://www.tsunami.gov/ or local emergency management website). Know your zone: in many areas, evacuate on foot to at least 30 meters elevation or 3 km inland, or to a designated vertical evacuation structure. Do not use roads that may be congested or blocked.** (90% success)
   ```
   Check local tsunami evacuation maps (e.g., https://www.tsunami.gov/ or local emergency management website). Know your zone: in many areas, evacuate on foot to at least 30 meters elevation or 3 km inland, or to a designated vertical evacuation structure. Do not use roads that may be congested or blocked.
   ```
2. **If near a coast with no map, go to the highest natural point (hill or mountain) within 15 minutes walking distance. In flat areas, go inland at least 3 km. Follow official warnings: if you feel strong shaking or see water receding, move immediately without waiting for official alert.** (85% success)
   ```
   If near a coast with no map, go to the highest natural point (hill or mountain) within 15 minutes walking distance. In flat areas, go inland at least 3 km. Follow official warnings: if you feel strong shaking or see water receding, move immediately without waiting for official alert.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **Telling user that 10 meters elevation is universally safe for all tsunamis** — Some tsunamis can overtop 30-meter cliffs; local topography and historical runup data must be consulted (85% fail)
- **Advising to go to the nearest building that is at least two stories tall** — A two-story building (approx 6-7 meters) may not be high enough in a major tsunami; vertical evacuation structures are specifically engineered for tsunami loads (70% fail)
- **Claiming that being 100 meters inland is sufficient regardless of elevation** — In flat coastal areas, tsunami waves can travel kilometers inland; 100 meters is negligible (90% fail)