Advantages, Hazards of Underground Malls in Disasters; Important to Judge When to Stay, Leave

By Daisuke Inoue / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer

17:50 JST, March 16, 2026

While underground malls provide a comfortable environment even in winter, they come with distinct risks during disasters like earthquakes. It is important to properly understanding the characteristics of enclosed spaces and calmly decide whether it is better to move above ground or remain underground.

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If you feel an earthquake while in an underground mall, your primary concern is falling objects. Get down low and protect your head with a bag or a similar item. If possible, move away from glass doors and toward walls or pillars where you are less likely to have something fall on you.

A difficult decision you will face is whether you should evacuate and go above ground. Shaking is said to damage underground areas less than above-ground areas, and the risks that come with exposure to rain and wind are reduced. Some underground malls have served as temporary shelters for stranded commuters, so staying put may be safer in certain cases.

“While the basic rule for evacuation is to follow the instructions of the facility’s management, it’s also crucial to judge the situation on your own and act based on the circumstances you find yourself in to protect your life,” said Prof. Yu Hiroi of the University of Tokyo, a specialist in urban disaster prevention.

Immediate evacuation is necessary during flooding or fires. Locations near the sea carry tsunami risks. If you notice water flowing in, evacuate to higher ground, such as buildings directly accessible from the underground mall.

If you hear fire alarms, see smoke or notice any other signs of a potential fire, cover your nose and mouth with a handkerchief or similar item and move while keeping low. Follow emergency exit signs on or near the floor. If visibility is poor due to power outages, move along the walls. Do not use elevators.

There are emergency exits every 60 meters in underground malls. To avoid accidents caused by crowding, look for uncrowded entrances and exits.

“Narrow staircases with two-way traffic are prone to accidents in crowds,” said Hiroi. “Be especially cautious on staircases with heavy traffic in both directions.”

Easy to panic

When evacuating from underground malls, it is important to remain calm.

“Underground spaces are distinct environments where conditions that can lead to panic are all present,” said Prof. Reo Kimura at the University of Hyogo, who specializes in disaster psychology.

With limited exits to above ground, it can be difficult to see during power outages due to darkness, and that can easily lead to psychological stress.

“Remaining calm is essential to make proper judgments,” said Kimura. “Keeping your feelings under control is paramount.”

First, try taking deep breaths until your heart rate slows. Rotating your shoulders and neck slowly to release muscle tension is also effective. Drinking something can help you relax too. Speak to the people around you in a slow, calm tone to ease the atmosphere.

Frequent users of underground malls should research the layout and emergency exit locations and confirm in advance whether the area is in a tsunami inundation hazard area.

“Simply knowing this information can help you feel mentally prepared in an emergency,” said Kimura. “Understand the risks and plan your actions in advance.”