When the Ocean Roars: The Call for Tsunami Preparedness

By Er. Gargi Mishra

World Tsunami Awareness Day, established by the UN in response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, promotes education about tsunami risks, community engagement in disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and effective response strategies, highlighting the urgent need for global awareness.

World Tsunami Awareness Day, observed annually on November 5th, is a global event aimed at raising awareness about tsunami risks and promoting risk reduction strategies.

Understanding Tsunamis and the Day

A tsunami is a series of ocean waves caused by sudden water displacement, often from underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides. These waves can travel at speeds of 500-800 km/h, reaching coastal areas with immense force, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
World Tsunami Day annually has specific themes promoting tsunami preparedness, encouraging discussions, workshops, and drills. It encourages sharing best practices and lessons learned from previous events, fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience.

Lessons from the Past

The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami emphasized the need for a robust early warning system and better preparedness, benefiting 27 countries in the Indian Ocean basin.

Why & How Can You Contribute?

Spreading Awareness

Tsunamis are devastating natural disasters, affecting over 700 million people in coastal areas and Small Island Developing States. Public awareness campaigns, World Tsunami Day, and sharing information about tsunamis are crucial for mitigating risks and promoting preparedness.

Promoting Early Warning Systems

Early warning systems play an important role in warning people of imminent tsunamis, allowing them valuable time to evacuate to safer places. World Tsunami Day promotes the creation and improvement of such systems.

Understanding about Tsunami Risks

Understand the specific threats in your area and become familiar with local evacuation routes and protocols.
Community Engagement and Education

World Tsunami Day encourages community engagement and education on tsunami preparedness through workshops, seminars, and drills. It promotes developing evacuation plans, practicing drills, and building resilient infrastructure. Regular drills and simulation drills help residents practice safe evacuation routes and recognize tsunami risks.

Support Tsunami Research

Contribute to research efforts to improve early warning systems and create effective mitigation solutions.

Global Cooperation for Local Resilience

World Tsunami Awareness Day also emphasizes the importance of global cooperation. Governments, organizations, and communities are encouraged to work together to implement policies and measures that enhance resilience. Ensuring that at-risk populations have equal access to information and evacuation routes is essential for effective disaster risk management.

Empowering the Next Generation

This year's theme is about passing on the lessons learnt from previous tsunamis to the next generation of children and teenagers. Education is extremely important in catastrophe risk reduction. 

For example, the story of Tilly Smith, a young girl who saved many lives in Thailand by recognising the warning signs of an incoming tsunami, emphasises the necessity of awareness and prompt action.

The Role of Technology

Advances in technology are critical to tsunami detection and response. Early warning systems, which use seismic data and ocean buoys to monitor wave activity, are critical for sending timely notifications to vulnerable populations.

Increased public access to information via mobile apps and social media improves awareness and readiness.

By commemorating World Tsunami Day and taking steps to reduce vulnerability, we can work together to build more resilient communities and protect lives from the terrible effects of tsunamis. Empowering communities with knowledge and preparedness can reduce tsunami impact and save lives, as climate change and urbanization increase coastal vulnerability.

The author is an accomplished researcher, holding a Master's degree (M.Tech) additionally PGIPR law. with diverse expertise spanning across fields, including Biotechnology, Genetics, Life science, Clinical research, nutrition, IPR Law, environmental science, bio conservation, Molecular  biology, Computer sc. etc. She has significantly contributed to government Research centres and Universities as well as various private sectors, applying her expertise to address critical challenges and drive meaningful progress.