Urban morphology as a tool for supporting tsunami rapid resilience: A case study of Talcahuano, Chile

Tsunamis are infrequent but highly destructive natural phenomena, in which limited time is available to make appropriate response decisions regarding key matters such as evacuation and sheltering. This paper argues that this specific type of 'rapid resilience' to tsunamis can be enhanced by changes in urban morphology, related to street networks and assembly areas. The Chilean city of Talcahuano (severely affected by an earthquake and tsunami in 2010) is examined using a mixed methods approach as the basis for proposed urban design modifications, aimed at improving tsunami evacuation and sheltering in public spaces. The proposal is quantitatively assessed by an agent-based computer model, which shows significant reductions in total times for evacuation. The modifications can also deliver qualitative impacts, providing new liveable public spaces for the city while contributing to maintaining an ongoing tsunami prevention culture.