December 26, 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, triggered by the 9.1 magnitude Sumatra-Andaman earthquake that killed 2,28,000 people, including over 10,000 in India and 14 other countries, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in recent history. The tragedy served as a wake-up call, driving the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to unite its Member States, scientists and communities around the world to better protect at-risk populations.

Over the past two decades, UNESCO has coordinated global action to enhance tsunami preparedness, develop advanced early warning systems, and fortify coastal community resilience. In a document titled “20 years after the 2004 Tsunami: What progress has been made?” the UN agency highlights these efforts.

Early warning system

For instance, a Global Tsunami Warning System (GTWS) has been set up spanning the Pacific, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean, Caribbean, and North-East Atlantic. This system integrates rapid detection technologies, seismic and sea-level monitoring and real-time data sharing to ensure alerts reach coastal communities as swiftly as possible.

Through the GTWS, UNESCO aims to provide tsunami confirmation within 10 minutes or less of origin for the most a- risk coastlines by 2031.

UNESCO has also invested in ‘cutting-edge’ research, including seabed mapping, deep-ocean and buoy technologies, as well as hazard assessments that enhance our understanding of tsunami risks.

Tsunami Ready initiative

UNESCO’s work has emphasised extensive community preparedness through its Tsunami Ready initiative, which already involves 32 countries and aims to certify 100 per cent of at-risk communities by 2030. This program includes public education, hazard mapping, evacuation planning, and annual simulation drills to strengthen awareness and readiness in vulnerable coastal areas.

Nearly 70 crore people live in areas vulnerable to ocean hazards — low lying coastal areas and islands — around the world. This number will be 100 crore by 2050. According to UNESCO, there is a near 100 per cent chance of a tsunami hitting the Mediterranean in the next 30 years.

The UN agency said that 69 per cent of total tsunami occur in the Pacific Ocean, and nearly 90 per cent of fatalities are caused by local or regional tsunamis that hit within a few hours. Locally damaging tsunamis strike some part of the Pacific every one to two years on average.

The 20th anniversary of the 2004 tsunami is an opportunity to call on States to continue efforts in supporting and funding for tsunami preparedness and education. UNESCO remains committed to safeguarding lives by ensuring that every vulnerable coastline is equipped with the knowledge, tools, and systems needed to face future tsunamis, the UN agency said.