**Tsunami Shelters: A Luxury These Coastal Towns Can't Afford**

Many towns on the U.S. West Coast are at risk. They face a major tsunami threat but lack a key defense: vertical evacuation shelters. These tall, strong structures are designed to save lives when a massive wave hits. People can go to the top floor to stay above the water. Experts see them as critical for safety in flat, low-lying coastal areas. However, many communities cannot pay for them. Construction costs are extremely high, often reaching tens of millions of dollars. Small towns do not have budgets large enough for these projects. This funding gap leaves thousands of homes and residents in jeopardy. Without nearby shelters, evacuation plans rely entirely on moving inland quickly. For some towns, the safe ground is too far to reach in the short time after a warning. Local leaders are now pushing for state and federal help. They argue that without financial support, they are forced to gamble with community safety. The goal is to build these shelters before a disaster makes it too late.