This thing about "not knowing" does not mean anything.
The area hit was as big as Japan's main island Honshu. Right now there is Tyhoon nb 14 right over Kyushu and 70,000 people have received evacuation orders in Miyazaki prefecture. It means they are evacuating _right under the storm_. The typhoon is slowly going up north and will hit Shikoku is a few hours, and the western part of Honshu at the same time. 2 days ago Tokyo was under pouring rain (one month of rain over one evening).
Want to take a look at the beast ?
http://weather.yahoo.co.jp/weather/jp/images/satellite.html?c=jp_anim
Public national TV have news updates every five or so minutes of: -how many people got injured (and how they got injured...) -how many people evacuated on their own -how many people can't be contacted by phone
etc etc.
SOmetimes you feel like too much data is sent over the media networks, but at least you _know_ what is going on. And that is _live_ data from right under the storm (with live images from NHK offices).
The whole _country_ is focused on Typhoon nb 14 and it has been so since it was first spotted on the maps, a few days ago.
Every one _knows_ where to evacuate and evacuation places are within walking distance (either primary schools or community centers).
In our town we even have the city hall loud speakers that inform us every hour or so of what is going on, we have dedicated radio channels for emergency situations etc.
THe problem in the US is not about knowing or not, it is before that. How high is the consciousness level ? The preparation level ? How much do people in charge care about the issue ? etc.
Evacuation is on an issue when the level of consiousness and readiness is enough.
Jean-Christophe Helary