Japan's transport ministry will develop lifeboats that allow evacuees to live at sea for several days after a tsunami.

The head of the ministry's Shikoku bureau told reporters on Wednesday that the lifeboats' design will be based on those that are mandatory for large ships.

The craft will be able to accommodate 20 to 50 people, have food stored on board, and be equipped with toilets.

They'll be installed at elementary schools, kindergartens and senior citizens' homes, so that children and the elderly who cannot evacuate fast enough can survive a tsunami.

Officials aim to make the lifeboats strong enough to withstand the impact of floating debris.

They plan to finalize the boats' design and functions over the coming months.

Thursday, February 23, 2012 09:56 +0900 (JST)