Villagers at a tsunami warning center participate in a mock drill to prepare against a tsunami, ahead of the 20th anniversary of the Indian Ocean tsunami, in Kaitha village of Kendrapara district in the eastern state of Odisha on December 21, 2024. leave Photo credit: Reuters
In Odisha, six districts comprising 24 villages, including two previously recognized villages, making a total of 26 villages, have been recognized as “tsunami ready” by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO), a press release said on Saturday. (December 21, 2024).
This recognition was based on 12 specific indicators, which were achieved through a series of well-planned activities aimed at building resilience against tsunamis. These activities included training and capacity building, community awareness programs, distribution of tsunami awareness materials, preparing tsunami management plans, conducting mock drills, identifying evacuation routes, and installing tsunami hoardings and signage.
Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Hyderabad played a pivotal role in this initiative. INCOIS operates a 24-hour tsunami monitoring and alert system that covers everything from risk assessment to warning dissemination, ensuring timely and effective action. Odisha’s preparedness activities have attracted national and international attention.
Dr. UNESCO in Kaitha village of Kendrapara district. T. Sinaniwas Kumar, Dr. A live evacuation simulation was conducted with the active participation of community members in the presence of Sunita Jena, General Manager Osdama, and Amlan Anupam Senapati, District Project Officer.
Volunteers take out a man playing mock hunt during a mock drill to prepare against a tsunami in Kendrapara district of the eastern state of Odisha on December 21, 2024. Photo credit: Reuters
Interactions with local leaders and residents provided valuable insights into their preparedness journey, which has now become a model for coastal protection. Odisha’s recognition as “Tsunami Ready” reflects successful cooperation between India’s National Tsunami Warning Center, local authorities and coastal communities.
It serves as a shining example of how proactive measures can save lives and build disaster-resilient communities.
published – December 22, 2024 at 10:14 am IST