Abstract
　A questionnaire survey was undertaken for the consciousness and behaviors of inhabitants, against the tsunami that developed from the earthquake which broke out on Nov. 2, 1989 with its seismic center at Sanriku-oki. It was carried out on approximately 3000 households of inhabitants in 6 cities, towns or villages along the coast of Sanriku, Iwate prefecture, where the people were ordered to evacuate their homes.
　The results obtained are outlined as follows:
l. Many of the inhabitants were apprehensive of a tsunami and were aware of the danger of tsunami at the time of the outbreak of earthquake.
2. The considerably low rate of inhabitants who evacuated their homes reflected the inhabitants' own optimistic underestimation of potential damages and hence the reluctance to evacuate. In view of past disasters, it was a very risky judgement.
3. The methods for the issuance of evacuation order lacked uniformity among the cities, towns and villages. The delayed issuance of evacuation order, inaudible radio announcement and nonpreparation of places or refuge are a few examples of complaints. Many reform measures were suggested for prevention of disasters.
　The coast of Sanriku still remains an area potentially exposed to the risk of tsunami disasters. It is urgently needed to establish an integrated and uniform system over a wide area for the timely issuance and smooth communication of evacuation order and to promote preventive measures basically by cultivating the consciousness of inhabitants to take prompt action voluntarily in case of natural calamity.

【キーワード】：津波，避難行動，三陸沿岸，防災対策，アンケート調査　
Key words: earthquake damage, overturning of tombstone, lifeline, questionnaire survey, overturn of furniture

*岩手大学工学部資源開発工学科
Department of Resource Development Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Iwate University