World Tsunami Awareness Day: Raising Awareness and Preparing Future Generations

Date: November 5

On December 26, 2004, a powerful earthquake in the Indian Ocean unleashed a catastrophic tsunami, resulting in the tragic loss of approximately 230,000 lives across 14 countries. This disaster, the first major global catastrophe of the 21st century, remains one of the most devastating events in recent memory.

Survivors of the 2004 tsunami have learned invaluable lessons, including recognizing warning signs and the importance of seeking higher ground. As the world approaches the 20th anniversary of this tragedy, there is a renewed focus on passing these lessons to a younger generation who may not remember or were born after the event.

This year, World Tsunami Awareness Day emphasizes “youth and future generations,” aligning with the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Summit of the Future. Events commemorating this observance aim to educate today’s youth, equipping them with the knowledge needed to respond in the event of a tsunami.

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is urging at-risk countries to enhance evacuation routes, update warning systems, and educate children and youth about tsunami preparedness. As part of this effort, the UNDRR encourages youth to explore and learn from the “Stop Disasters” online game, which simulates disaster scenarios to teach life-saving skills.

In 2022, UNDRR launched the #GetToHighGround campaign, a global initiative aimed at educating the public on tsunami risks. The campaign encourages community drills, walks, or runs along evacuation routes to promote resilience and preparedness. These activities foster inclusive community involvement in understanding and reducing tsunami risks.

While tsunamis are lethal, early warning systems and prompt actions can prevent disasters. To be effective, these systems must be universally accessible, multi-hazard in scope, and supported by community readiness for rapid action.

Background of World Tsunami Awareness Day

In December 2015, the United Nations General Assembly designated November 5 as World Tsunami Awareness Day, advocating for global education on tsunami risks and promoting innovative solutions for risk reduction.

Japan, a country with extensive experience in tsunami preparedness due to its geographical location, initiated this observance. Japan’s contributions to early warning systems, public awareness, and resilient infrastructure have served as a model for global tsunami preparedness efforts. UNDRR coordinates World Tsunami Awareness Day observances worldwide, working with the broader United Nations system.

Although infrequent, tsunamis are among the deadliest natural hazards. In the last century, 58 tsunamis have claimed over 260,000 lives—averaging 4,600 deaths per event. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami stands as the deadliest incident within this period.

Just weeks after the 2004 tsunami, the international community convened in Kobe, Japan, and adopted the Hyogo Framework for Action, the first global agreement on disaster risk reduction. This led to the creation of the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System, a network of seismographic and sea-level monitoring stations designed to alert national tsunami centers.

As urbanization and tourism increase in tsunami-prone areas, reducing disaster risk becomes essential to saving lives, a primary goal under the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030).

Understanding Tsunamis: Causes and Characteristics

The term “tsunami” combines the Japanese words “tsu” (harbor) and “nami” (wave), describing waves generated by underwater disturbances such as earthquakes near or beneath the ocean floor. Tsunamis may also result from volcanic eruptions, underwater landslides, coastal rock falls, or even asteroid impacts.

These waves appear as towering walls of water that can inundate coastal areas within minutes, with the danger often lasting for hours. A tsunami’s first wave is not always the largest; subsequent waves can be more powerful, bringing massive debris and inflicting further damage.

Causes of Tsunamis

• Earthquakes: Most tsunamis are triggered by earthquakes along fault lines, especially in subduction zones where oceanic plates slide beneath other tectonic plates. For an earthquake to generate a tsunami, it must be strong (magnitude 6.5 or higher), occur at shallow depths, and cause significant vertical movement on the seafloor.
• Landslides: Coastal and underwater landslides can also create tsunamis by displacing large volumes of water.
• Volcanic Eruptions: Although less common, volcanic eruptions can create tsunamis by displacing water. One of history’s most destructive tsunamis followed the 1883 eruption of Indonesia’s Krakatoa volcano, with waves up to 135 feet high.
• Extraterrestrial Collisions: Although extremely rare, tsunamis could result from an asteroid or meteor striking the ocean.

World Tsunami Awareness Day serves as a global call to action to prepare, educate, and reduce the risks associated with these powerful natural events. Through awareness, communities can better safeguard lives and build resilience against future tsunami threats.