Selection of tsunami evacuation routes for tourists

Case study in Koshigoe, Kamakura City

Abstract

We analyzed tsunami evacuation routes and discussed appropriate evacuation guidance for tourists. We selected fifteen pairs as examinees who were students at Shonan Fujisawa Campus, Keio University and didn't live in Kamakura City. First, they decided an evacuation route from a starting point close to a beach and had to evacuate from the tsunami-affected area estimated by the government. We recorded their evacuation behaviors and locations to select a route. We classified the elements affecting the actions into two types, namely sequence and landmark. Moreover, we distinguished whether they could escape from the affected area within eight minutes, which is the shortest time of the tsunami reaching. As a result, six pairs could not escape within the time because they took the time to decide the route at some crossroads. The finding suggests that there should be evacuation signs to guide tourists to the closest hill.