New Delhi: There are several natural hazards across the globe. But the most devastating of these hazards is the tsunami. Coastal areas are the most vulnerable to tsunamis as they know no coastal borders. When tsunamis hit these areas, they can be very dangerous and cause huge losses to humans, wildlife, and a country’s economy. To promote global awareness and preparedness against tsunamis, in December 2015, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) designated November 5 as World Tsunami Awareness Day.
In this article, let us look at when the day started, the theme, and some facts about tsunamis.
World Tsunami Awareness Day 2024: When and Why the day was started?
Tsunamis are rare but can be very deadly. In December 2015, the UN General Assembly declared November 5 as World Tsunami Awareness Day. This day encourages countries, international organisations, and communities to increase awareness about tsunamis and share new ways to reduce risks.
Japan proposed World Tsunami Awareness Day. Due to its experiences with tsunamis, Japan has developed strong expertise in areas like early warning systems, public safety measures and rebuilding after disasters to lessen future impacts.
The UN Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) supports World Tsunami Awareness Day in cooperation with the United Nations.
In the last 100 years, 58 tsunamis have caused over 2,60,000 deaths, more than any other natural disaster. The worst tsunami of the 21st century was the Indian Ocean tsunami in December 2004.
Three weeks after this disaster, the international community met in Kobe, Japan. Governments agreed on a ten-year Hyogo Framework for Action (the first global agreement focused on reducing disaster risks).
The community also established the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System, which includes many seismographic and sea-level monitoring stations and sends alerts to national tsunami information centres.
What is the theme for World Tsunami Awareness Day 2024?
This year, World Tsunami Awareness Day focuses on “youth and future generations”, aligning with the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Summit of the Future. The planned activities will honour the 20th anniversary of the Indian Ocean Tsunami by sharing its lessons with a new generation of children and youth.
Facts about Tsunami
The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was the first major disaster of the 21st century and is one of the deadliest events in recent history.
After this tragedy, countries came together to improve local safety. They created a tsunami early warning system that helps 27 countries around the Indian Ocean.
Over 700 million people in low-lying coastal areas and Small Island Developing States face the risk of extreme sea-level events, including tsunamis (World Health Organization, 2019).
An early warning system works best when people are aware of the risks of tsunamis and understand what to do in an emergency. This includes ensuring that at-risk populations have equal access to information and evacuation routes (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, 2022).
