The World observes ‘World Tsunami Awareness Day’ on Nov 5

UNITED NATIONS: Tsunamis are deadly natural disasters which can be caused by various reasons like earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions and extraterrestrial collisions. But like all other natural disasters, the casualties can be controlled with timely action and proper warning systems. To spread awareness, the world observes the World Tsunami Awareness Day today.

The UN General Assembly declared November 5 as World Tsunami Awareness Day in December 2015, encouraging nations, international organisations, and civil society to spread tsunami awareness and exchange creative risk-reduction strategies.

The idea for World Tsunami Awareness Day originated in Japan which has gained significant knowledge in fields like tsunami early warning systems, public action, and rebuilding better after a disaster to lessen future effects as a result of its repeated, painful experiences. Together with the rest of the United Nations system, UN Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) organises the observation of World Tsunami Awareness Day.

Despite being a rare occurrence, tsunamis can be very dangerous. In the last century, more than any other natural hazard, 58 tsunamis have claimed over 260,000 lives. The Indian Ocean Tsunami in December 2004 caused the most fatalities during that time. In 14 countries, it is estimated to have killed 227,000 people, with Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand suffering the greatest losses.

Soon after, countries of the world came together and adopted the 10-year Hyogo Framework for Action in Japan, the first ever international agreement on global disaster risk reduction. They also founded the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System. In tsunami-prone areas, rapid urbanisation and rising tourism are endangering an increasing number of people. As a result, the 15-year international agreement adopted in March 2015 is to replace the Hyogo Framework.