The PSK and "other junk" we carry in our pockets are obviously not enough to defend against a moving wall of water. All you can do in this type of situation is evacuate quickly if you are aware about tsunami hazards and prepared mentally to keep your cool. But this is just one type of survival situation which belongs to the disasters category. Then again, in my humble opinion, if you happen to survive the tidal waves, the PSK could still increase the odds in your favor. For exemple you could use some items in it to help strecth out some kind of tarp and catch rain water until you get help (if you have the luck to get enough rain) I don't know, it's just an illustration. You have to adapt to the situation... The items in the PSK and EDC are based on experience return from a large range of situations. Equippment is only the tip of the iceberg of survival. Will to survive, self-control, physical fitness and knowledge are other factors. And indeed, this site focuses on the equippment part, on gear reviews. So equippement is only one link of the chain. And as in any chain you are only as strong as your weakest link.

I hope this rant makes senses... I'm not a survival expert and I don't have much experience, especially with the ocean. And I really don't think I would have done better than most of the people involved there.

François