New Delhi: India is gearing up for a historic achievement in disaster management as it prepares to cross the landmark of more than 100 tsunami-ready villages across its coastal regions. This development will establish India as the pioneering country in the Indian Ocean basin to reach this scale of community-level tsunami preparedness, setting a new standard for regional safety against ocean-generated hazards.
At present, 24 villages located along Odisha’s coastline have successfully secured the Tsunami Ready designation from UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission. These communities passed a thorough verification process conducted by India’s National Tsunami Ready Recognition Board, demonstrating full adherence to global benchmarks for readiness.
A village earns this recognition when it exhibits strong public knowledge about tsunami risks, detailed mapping of vulnerable zones, clearly marked and displayed evacuation routes, reliable 24-hour alert mechanisms, and active involvement in regular simulation exercises. Such measures ensure that residents can respond promptly and effectively when disaster strikes.
The Framework of UNESCO’s Global Tsunami Ready Initiative
The Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme operates as an international, voluntary effort designed to strengthen prevention and mitigation strategies in coastal areas prone to tsunami threats. Coordinated by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, the programme applies a set of 12 uniform indicators to evaluate communities consistently. Successful recognition remains valid for four years, after which renewal is required.
Within India, the programme is overseen by the National Tsunami Ready Recognition Board, formed under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. The board is chaired by the Director of the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services and includes experts from INCOIS, the National Disaster Management Authority, and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
This initiative thrives on active partnerships between residents, local leaders, emergency response teams, and government bodies at various levels. Its community-focused design not only targets tsunami risks but also enhances resilience against related dangers such as cyclones and storm surges.
Rapid Expansion Across Coastal States and Union Territories
Odisha has emerged as the frontrunner, with its existing 24 recognized villages distributed across six districts. The state is now preparing to add 72 additional villages to the certified list, dramatically increasing the national count.
Several other coastal regions are advancing steadily. Gujarat, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have already shortlisted villages for evaluation. Kerala, in particular, has scheduled nine coastal communities for verification targeted for completion between March and April 2026.
The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services in Hyderabad functions as the primary coordinating agency for this countrywide implementation. The centre has rolled out pilot projects covering every coastal state and union territory to accelerate adoption and ensure smooth scaling.
Dr. Balakrishnan Nair, Director of INCOIS, highlighted the grassroots nature of the effort: “This is a community-driven initiative. States and UT governments need to be proactive in identifying the vulnerable communities and areas, which not only benefits in tsunami preparedness but in cyclones and similar hazards too.”
INCOIS also houses the Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre, responsible for continuous monitoring of seismic activity worldwide and issuing prompt advisories throughout the Indian Ocean region, with special emphasis on reaching the last mile of communication.
Core Requirements for Achieving Tsunami-Ready Status
To qualify, communities must satisfy every one of the 12 established indicators, which encompass:
- In-depth hazard mapping and risk evaluation
- Prominent display of evacuation maps and awareness materials in public spaces
- Training programs for residents in essential skills such as search and rescue operations and first aid
- Fully functional warning systems available around the clock
- Mandatory yearly evacuation drills and well-defined response protocols incorporated into local emergency frameworks
These comprehensive steps enable swift, organized action during crises. Villages like Venkatraipur in Odisha serve as inspiring examples of how dedicated preparation translates into real-world readiness.
The programme engages a wide array of participants, including coastal populations at risk, alert-issuing authorities, governmental planners, and local influencers, all collaborating to embed tsunami risk reduction into long-term development plans.
Complementary National Strategies for Tsunami Risk Reduction
India’s efforts extend far beyond the Tsunami Ready programme. The National Disaster Management Authority has issued dedicated Tsunami Risk Management Guidelines that promote extensive public education, skill development, training programs, and investment in research and innovation.
Advanced technological tools form a critical component of the defence system. These include deep-ocean Bottom Pressure Recorders deployed as buoys and satellite networks that enable instantaneous transmission of warnings.
The Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre plays a pivotal international role by extending its advisory services to numerous countries surrounding the Indian Ocean.
The Broader Mandate of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission
Founded in 1960 and headquartered in Paris, France, the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission works to foster global collaboration in marine research, ultimately improving the stewardship of oceans, coastal zones, and marine resources. It currently counts 152 member states, including India.
Among its flagship responsibilities, the commission leads the coordination of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development running from 2021 to 2030, alongside managing worldwide tsunami warning and mitigation frameworks.
Significance of This Milestone for India’s Coastal Security
Given India’s vast coastline and the millions of citizens residing in hazard-prone areas, surpassing the 100-village threshold represents a transformative leap in national disaster resilience. Expected to materialize in the near future, this accomplishment will distinguish India as the foremost nation in the Indian Ocean region for community-based tsunami preparedness.
In an era when changing climate patterns are amplifying the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, initiatives of this magnitude become indispensable. By placing communities at the heart of the strategy, integrating cutting-edge warning infrastructure, and adopting a multi-hazard perspective, India is building a robust shield for its coastal populations.
This ambitious drive reflects a deep national commitment to safeguarding human lives, economic assets, and critical infrastructure. Through sustained collaboration between scientific institutions, government agencies, and local stakeholders, the country is converting potential vulnerability into enduring strength and security.
FAQs
1. What does it mean for a village to be “Tsunami-Ready” under the UNESCO programme?
A village is recognized as Tsunami-Ready when it fully meets all 12 international preparedness indicators set by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC). These include tsunami hazard mapping, risk assessment, public display of evacuation maps, 24-hour warning systems, community training in search-and-rescue and first aid, regular mock drills, and integration of tsunami response into local emergency plans. The certification, valid for four years, confirms that the community is well-prepared to protect lives and property during a tsunami.
2. How many tsunami-ready villages does India currently have, and what is the target?
As of December 2025, India has 24 certified tsunami-ready villages, all located in Odisha across six coastal districts. The country is rapidly expanding the programme and is on track to exceed 100 tsunami-ready villages soon, making India the first nation in the Indian Ocean region to achieve this scale of community-level tsunami preparedness.
3. Which states and union territories are actively participating in the Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme?
Odisha leads with 24 certified villages and plans to add 72 more. Other participating regions include Gujarat, Kerala (which has proposed nine villages for verification by March–April 2026), Andhra Pradesh, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The programme is being extended on a pilot basis to all coastal states and union territories in India.
4. Who coordinates and implements the Tsunami Ready programme in India?
The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, is the national coordinating agency. The National Tsunami Ready Recognition Board (NTRB), chaired by the Director of INCOIS and comprising members from INCOIS, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), and the Ministry of Home Affairs, conducts verifications and awards recognition.
5. How does the Tsunami-Ready initiative benefit communities beyond tsunami threats?
The programme builds multi-hazard resilience. The awareness campaigns, evacuation planning, early warning systems, and mock drills developed for tsunamis also strengthen preparedness for cyclones, storm surges, floods, and other coastal hazards, providing broader protection to vulnerable coastal populations.
