‘TSUNAMI-READY’ VILLAGES

NEWS – India is set to become the first country in the Indian Ocean Region to have over 100 tsunami-ready villages, certified by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC). This milestone strengthens India’s coastal disaster preparedness and community resilience.

HIGHLIGHTS

What is a ‘Tsunami-Ready’ Village?

A village earns certification when it demonstrates:

• High public awareness on tsunami risks
• Hazard mapping and evacuation routes
• Clearly displayed evacuation maps
• 24×7 warning and alert systems
• Regular community mock drills
• Coordinated response mechanisms

It is a voluntary, community-based programme involving citizens, local bodies, and national disaster agencies.

India’s Progress

• 24 villages currently certified across 6 districts
• Odisha to add 72 villages soon (largest contributor)
• Other states identifying villages:
  • Gujarat
  • Kerala (9 villages proposed by 2026)
  • Andhra Pradesh
  • Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Institutional Support

• Programme coordinated by Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Hyderabad
• INCOIS operates the Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC)
• Tracks global earthquakes
• Issues Indian Ocean tsunami warnings
• Facilitates state coordination and community capacity-building

Why It Matters

• Strengthens disaster resilience for coastal communities
• Enhances readiness not only for tsunamis but also cyclones and storm surges
• Promotes community participation, decentralised preparedness and local leadership
• Aligns with Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction