World Tsunami Awareness Day

World Tsunami Awareness Day History

World Tsunami Awareness Day aims to raise global awareness about the catastrophic hazards of tsunamis and promote innovative approaches to minimize the risks they pose to communities. The observance highlights the importance of comprehensive early warning systems, disaster preparedness, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among countries and organizations. It also seeks to pay tribute to the resilience of people who have faced such disasters and appreciate the efforts undertaken to mitigate the impact of tsunamis.

The United Nations General Assembly established World Tsunami Awareness Day in December 2015 in response to the devastating Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004, which significantly impacted India, among other countries. Nearly 16,000 lives were lost in India on that fateful day, with millions affected across multiple coastal states. This day serves as a stark reminder for the Indian people of the importance of being prepared for such calamities. In India, disaster management authorities at national and state levels engage in continuous efforts to develop robust early warning systems, implement preventive measures, and create evacuation plans. Ensuring efficient post-disaster responses and minimizing the human and economic toll of tsunamis is essential for this country.

In observance of World Tsunami Awareness Day, various activities and programs are organized in India. Those include workshops, conferences, and awareness campaigns emphasizing disaster risk reduction, preparedness, and resilience at the individual, community, and national levels. The events provide an opportunity to promote engagement and learning among relevant stakeholders, such as government departments, educational institutions, scientific organizations, civil society, and local communities. World Tsunami Awareness Day is observed annually on 5th November, fostering a culture of disaster prevention and preparedness across India and the world.

World Tsunami Awareness Day facts

• By 2030, 50% of the world will live in or near coastal areas exposed to flooding, storms, or tsunamis according to the U.N.
• The most powerful ocean-wide tsunami happened in 1960 in Chile, reaching magnitude of 9.5.
• Tsunamis can travel thousands of kilometers with speeds up to 800 kilometers per hour.
• India regularly conducts tsunami mock drills involving multiple stakeholders to test the effectiveness and readiness of its early warning system, as well as to enhance public awareness on what to do in case of a tsunami.
• India is part of the IOTWMS, an intergovernmental initiative established in 2005 to provide early warnings of tsunamis for the Indian Ocean countries. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) operates the system in India.

In the News and Trending in India for World Tsunami Awareness Day

Top things to do in India for World Tsunami Awareness Day

• Learn more about tsunamis and how to recognize signs of an approaching one. Learn how to protect yourself at Tsunami Ready.
• Research the types of natural disasters that can occur in your area. Know and understand what to do and have a plan in case of emergency.
• Collaborate with local authorities, schools, and communities to conduct awareness campaigns about tsunami preparedness and safety measures. This can include distributing pamphlets, conducting workshops, and organizing mock drills.
• Seek government support and participation by organizing events in collaboration with disaster management authorities. This ensures resources, expertise, and assistance are readily available to create a bigger impact.