When a Major Earthquake Strikes

A tsunami is expected to come after the Nankai Trough Earthquake. According to experts, the biggest wave (up to 5 m high) will reach the east end of Higashi Okinosu Marine Pier within 53 minutes of the earthquake.
Check the tsunami and earthquake hazard map of Tokushima City, and be alert especially if you live in or near an at risk area. When a tsunami is imminent, evacuate immediately and go to the designated emergency evacuation site or to higher ground.

Note:

• Immediate evacuation to a higher location is much better than trying to outrun the tsunami to a location farther away.
• Move away from the shore as quickly as possible.
• Tsunami speed is expected to be about 25 kilometers per hour near the coast, so there is no assurance of safety if you start evacuating after realizing that the tsunami is coming.
• Tsunami waves will come repeatedly.
• Check the locations of designated emergency evacuation sites and higher ground evacuation sites to insure your safety.

These signs are designed by the Fire and Disaster Management Agency of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, so that everybody, not only residents but also tourists, can easily understand what they say. You can find these signs around our city.

When a major earthquake occurs and disastrous waves such as those produced by the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake are expected, the Japan Meteorological Agency will issue a Major Tsunami Warning with the estimated tsunami height of either “巨大（きょだい）　kyodai (huge)”, or “高（たか）い takai (high).” If you receive a warning that says “巨大（きょだい） kyodai (huge)” or “高（たか）い　takai (high)”, evacuate immediately to the closest and safest higher ground evacuation site you can find. In some cases you may not hear such an announcement, but if you feel strong shaking for an extended period of time, use your own judgment and immediately evacuate to a safer place such as a designated emergency evacuation site or higher ground.