How to be Tsunami Ready?

Every year on the 5th of November, World Tsunami Day reminds us about the disaster that can come with not being properly prepared. 

But what does it mean to be truly prepared for a Tsunami?

Well, UNESCO has done the hard work for us and gone ahead and developed their Tsunami Ready Programme. In this guide we will breakdown and summarise what they mean and how simple actions can be adopted to help reduce the risk of disaster. 

What is Tsunami Ready?

Officially called The UNESCO-IOC Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme (TRRP), the programme supports communities to beef up their resilience. Delivering awareness and preparedness strategies is essential to protect local areas. 

The programme is completely voluntary for communities to participate and act as a new standard.

Who is the Programme Aimed at?

The programme is aimed at 4 main groups: 

• At-risk communities: Coastal communities live in constant danger of tsunamis.
• Emergency management agencies: These agencies act at national and local levels and are essential for citizens to react and prepare for incoming emergencies.
• Government authorities: Administrations on any level should include mitigation plans in their development agendas.
• Community leaders and pedestrians: Key messages and lifesaving advice can be shared through the general public by prominent thought leaders. 

What is the Criteria?

UNESCO has developed a 12-indicator methodology that must be met to gain the recognition and be renewed every four years to keep up valid. 

The indicators can be split into 3 sections: assessment, preparedness and response. All of which you can find more information about here.

What places are part of the Tsunami Ready Programme already? 

You’re in luck because UNESCO has an interactive map where you can see every region that is part of the programme.   

Charity Check-in

At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article. 

The Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC). This organisation is a coalition of UK charities that coordinates responses to major international humanitarian crises, mobilising resources and support for affected communities. Find out more.

British Red Cross. This NGO Provides urgent aid such as food, water, shelter, and emotional support to people affected by disasters around the world. Learn more here. 

Save the Children. This is a global humanitarian organisation dedicated to improving the lives of children through education, health care, and protection from harm. Support them here.

This article aligns with the UN SDG Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.