World Tsunami Awareness Day 2024
The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami that struck the shores of Southeast Asia claimed the lives of around 230,000, with around 35,000 deaths recorded in Sri Lanka alone. It left millions displaced. The high death toll marked in Sri Lanka in 2004 was primarily due to a lack of awareness among the public about tsunamis and the measures to be taken following the warning signs. Many went to the shores to watch the water receding, unaware that it was a precursor to the massive waves that would soon follow.
20 years later, where do we stand?
While the memories of the devastation remain etched on the survivors, the lapse of two decades also means that a new generation, unaware of the tragedy, may not fully grasp the risks posed by tsunamis. This underscores the urgent need for effective education to instill a sense of preparedness and awareness, ensuring that all communities are ready to respond appropriately to any future threats.
World Tsunami Awareness Day
Declared in December 2015 by the UN General Assembly, World Tsunami Awareness Day, which falls on November 5th, is designed to spread awareness about the deadly nature of tsunamis and call for better preparedness from countries prone to the disaster.
Low-frequency, high-impact disasters like tsunamis remain an ever-persistent threat to our island nation. Minimizing potential damage and avoiding a catastrophe similar to that in 2004, demands better planning, preparedness, and prevention measures.
Enhancing Preparedness for the Future
Recognizing the imperative for improved preparedness, A-PAD Sri Lanka hosted its annual international symposium titled “Turning the Tide: 20 Years of Tsunami Readiness and Resilience” on the 29th of August 2024. This event served as a platform to discuss Sri Lanka’s current state of tsunami preparedness and explore the way forward.
Focusing on the enhancement of early warning systems and disaster management strategies, the symposium sparked discussions on lessons learned from past experiences and the adoption of global best practices. Featuring a panel of esteemed international and local experts, alongside an audience from various sectors, the event generated critical recommendations aimed at bolstering the country’s resilience against future tsunamis.
Here are some key recommendations.
Enhanced Evacuation Planning: Increase the frequency of evacuation drills using technology to prepare communities for both regional and distant tsunamis. This includes conducting night-time drills to ensure that residents are equipped to evacuate safely under low-visibility conditions.
Strengthened Public Awareness Campaigns: Implement comprehensive education initiatives in high-risk coastal areas to inform residents about evacuation routes, warning signs, and appropriate responses during a tsunami. Engaging with local media and using multiple communication channels can broaden outreach.
Improved Technology for Early Warning Systems: Strengthen and maintain the 24/7 Emergency Operation Center integrated with mobile service providers to ensure rapid dissemination of tsunami alerts. Leveraging advanced technologies for risk assessment can enhance the accuracy and timeliness of these warnings and adapt to changing on-ground realities.
Community Engagement and Responsibility: Foster a culture of ownership by involving communities in hazard mapping and disaster preparedness activities. Encourage individuals to understand risks and participate in maintaining tsunami early warning infrastructure to enhance local resilience.
Access our 2024 International Symposium Report to read more on the discourse surrounding tsunami preparedness in Sri Lanka and the suggested recommendations.
