Odisha’s 26 villages get recognition as ‘Tsunami Ready’ by Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO

Villagers leave a tsunami warning centre after attending a mock drill to prepare against tsunami, ahead of the 20th anniversary of the Indian Ocean tsunami, in Kaitha village in Kendrapara district in the eastern state of Odisha on December 21, 2024.
| Photo Credit: Reuters

In Odisha, six districts comprising 24 villages, along with two previously recognised villages, making a total of 26 villages, have been recognized as “Tsunami Ready” by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO), said a press statement on Saturday (December 21, 2024).

The recognition was based on 12 specific indicators, 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, Preparation of Tsunami Management Plans, Conducting Mock Drills, Identifying Evacuation Routes, and Installation of Tsunami Hoardings and Signages.

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Hyderabad, played a pivotal role in this initiative. INCOIS operates a 24-hour tsunami monitoring and alert system that encompasses everything from risk assessment to the dissemination of warnings, ensuring timely and effective action. The preparedness activities in Odisha have drawn national and international attention.

A live evacuation simulation was conducted at Kaitha village in Kendrapara district, in the presence of Dr. T. Sinanivasa Kumar from UNESCO, Dr. Sunitha Jena General Manager OSDAMA, and Amlan Anupam Senapati Dist project officer involving active participation from community members.

Volunteers evacuate a man playing a mock victim during a mock drill to prepare against tsunami in Kendrapara district in 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 safety. Odisha’s recognition as “Tsunami Ready” showcases a successful collaboration between India’s National Tsunami Warning Centre, local authorities, and coastal communities.

It serves as a shining example of how proactive measures can save lives and build disaster-resilient communities.