Natural disaster: 26 Odisha villages recognised as ‘Tsunami Ready’ by IOC-UNESCO

Odisha has led the way in tsunami preparedness with 26 villages across six districts being recognised as 'Tsunami Ready' by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO). The six districts comprising 24 villages, along with two previously recognised villages have been recognised as Tsunami Ready by IOC-UNESCO.

According to ANI, this accolade is accorded based on compliance with 12 stringent indicators, underscoring the state's commitment to enhancing resilience against natural calamities. The effort in Odisha has garnered national and international recognition. 

Efforts to achieve this status involved comprehensive training and capacity building efforts, community awareness drives, and the dissemination of instructional materials. Furthermore, management plans were developed, mock drills conducted, evacuation routes identified, and signage appropriately installed.

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) in Hyderabad has played a crucial role in this initiative. It operates a continuous tsunami monitoring and alert system, incorporating risk assessment, warning dissemination, and ensuring timely warnings, ANI reported.

A live evacuation exercise was conducted in Kaitha village, located in the Kendrapara district, which was observed by eminent personalities including Dr. T. Sinanivasa Kumar of UNESCO, Dr. Sunitha Jena, General Manager of Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDAMA), and Amlan Anupam Senapati, the District Project Officer. The exercise also involved active community participation.

Interactions with local leaders and residents provided significant insights into their preparedness journey. This milestone sets an important precedent for coastal safety, demonstrating effective collaboration between India's National Tsunami Warning Centre, local authorities, and coastal communities.

It highlights how proactive measures are crucial in safeguarding lives and building disaster-resilient communities.