T.M.I.: Information confusion in the Japanese population during the evacuation of Fukushima

Contrary to intuition, evacuation is not always necessary in an industrial or nuclear emergency. In some cases, remaining at home or work - sheltering-in-place - may be the best, safest form of action. The decision to evacuate or remain is made at the state, regional, or federal level depending on the type and severity of a disaster. In the case of Fukushima, problems related to evacuation centered around two factors: delayed decision-making and a lack of consistent and centralized information sources. This conflicting information, which could be uncertain, incorrect, or out-of-date, led to a confused public, which in turn, hindered evacuation and safety decisions. The public did not whose instructions or which instructions were best to follow. This cacophony only served to confuse and further inflame an already tense situation.

A variety of statements were issued from TEPCO (the utility provider), the government, and "educated" professional. But at no point during the disaster was there an examination of how well these messages were being understood, or whether they served to confound or delay public responses regarding evacuation.