World Tsunami Awareness Day

World Tsunami Awareness Day aims to raise global awareness about the catastrophic hazards of tsunamis and promote innovative approaches to minimize the risk they pose to communities. The observance highlights the importance of comprehensive early warning systems, disaster preparedness, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among countries and organizations. It also seeks to pay tribute to the resilience of people who have faced such disasters and appreciate the efforts undertaken to mitigate the impact of tsunamis.

The United Nations General Assembly established World Tsunami Awareness Day in December 2015, in response to the devastating Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004, which had a significant impact on India, among other countries. Nearly 16,000 lives were lost in India on that fateful day, with millions affected across multiple coastal states. This day serves as a stark reminder for the Indian people of the importance of being prepared for such calamities. In India, disaster management authorities at national and state levels engage in continuous efforts to develop robust early warning systems, implement preventive measures, create evacuation plans, and ensure efficient post-disaster responses, with a focus on minimizing the human and economic toll of tsunamis.

In observance of World Tsunami Awareness Day, various activities and programs are organized in India, including workshops, conferences, and awareness campaigns emphasizing disaster risk reduction, preparedness, and resilience at the individual, community, and national levels. These events provide an opportunity to promote engagement and learning among relevant stakeholders, such as government departments, educational institutions, scientific organizations, civil society, and local communities. World Tsunami Awareness Day is observed annually on 5th November, fostering a culture of disaster prevention and preparedness across India and the world.