Regarding the April 13 article "Tsunami hit more than 100 evacuation sites": Decisions made for disaster events are often modified after an event. There are particular populations, elderly and disabled, that need consideration. If evacuation sites are moved to greater distances, then planners should consider possible transportation to such sites.
Although family and neighborhood planning should consider how individuals without transportation can escape a particular area, the speed at which these events occur make that impractical for some as family and others may not be nearby when the event occurs.
Once the figures are in, it will be of interest to determine who did not survive and why. There are always considerations about the decisions that individuals and families make and recommendations by governmental agencies. The primary issue should always be the survival of those in impacted areas and what decisions and resources are available to maximize those numbers. Individual decisions have consequences, but governmental agencies should provide guidance and options that are realistic and practical.
The opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are the writer's own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of The Japan Times.