Twenty-four coastal villages across six districts of Odisha have gained significant recognition as "Tsunami Ready" by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO. This announcement was made during the 2nd Global Tsunami Symposium held on November 11, 2024, in Indonesia and marks another milestone for Odisha, aiming to bolster preparedness against natural disasters, particularly tsunamis.
The villages, located within the districts of Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, and Ganjam, underwent rigorous preparations under the Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme (TRRP). These efforts included extensive training for stakeholders, community awareness campaigns, and conducting evacuation drills to equip the communities with the necessary skills and knowledge to respond efficiently during tsunami threats.
The Tsunami Ready initiative comprises various activities aimed at improving community preparedness against tsunamis. Some key components of the programme included dissemination of tsunami awareness materials, preparation of detailed tsunami management plans, and identification of evacuation routes. The programme's goal is to effectively communicate action plans to residents, ensuring they know how to act should an emergency arise.
The recently recognized villages include Jagannathpur, Jayadevkasabapahi, Sahapur, and Kanyanagari from Balasore district; Mohanpur, Adhuan, Badahabelisahi, and Sanakrushnapur from Bhadrak; Kantilo, Tantiapal Sasan, and Kaitha from Kendrapada; Bagheipur, Dhanuharbelari, Sahadabedi, and Bhuyanpal from Jagatsinghpur; Keutjanga, Narasinghpatana, Khalakatapatana, and Chhotipada from Puri; and Uppulaputti, Prayagi, Kantiagada, and Markandi from Ganjam.
Besides acknowledging these 24 new villages, the symposium also saw the renewal of Tsunami Ready certificates for two villages previously recognized. Noliasahi of Jagatsinghpur district and Venkatraipur village of Ganjam district had been certified as Tsunami Ready back in 2020, showing continued commitment to disaster preparedness.
The Odisha State Revenue and Disaster Management (R&DM) department shared insights about various initiatives the communities undertook to achieve this recognition. The preparation for tsunami readiness was not merely administrative; it involved the entire community and incorporated feedback from local residents to fine-tune strategies and response plans.
To verify compliance with the 12 key indicators of the TRRP, the National Tsunami Ready Recognition Boards (NTRB) executed thorough on-ground assessments of the 24 newly recognized villages. This verification process took place during September 2024 and involved experts from the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) and officials from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
Upon the successful completion of this assessment, recommendations were sent to the IOC-UNESCO, resulting in the official recognition of these communities. Vidar Helgesen, Assistant Director General of UNESCO and Executive Secretary of IOC-UNESCO, personally presented the certificates of recognition at the symposium to E. Pattabhi Rama Rao, representing India and INCOIS.
Odisha is known for being particularly vulnerable to natural disasters due to its geographical location. The state has identified 381 coastal villages susceptible to tsunamis and has set forth on a long-term goal to equip all these communities with the tools and strategies needed to manage tsunami risks effectively. This ambition aligns with the overarching vision of the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA), ensuring the protection and resilience of coastal dwellers.
Communities embracing the Tsunami Ready designation is not just beneficial for immediate safety during potential disaster events. It fosters a climate of preparedness and awareness, significantly increasing the community's resilience and confidence when facing natural events. The proactive measures initiated allow local residents to understand the importance of preparedness and how their collective efforts can save lives.
The remarkable achievement of these 24 villages serves as inspiration for other coastal communities worldwide, proving the effectiveness of community involvement, proper training, and infrastructural support to face natural calamities. While Odisha's efforts are commendable, they highlight the pressing need for continuous disaster preparedness initiatives across the globe.
This recognition and the collaborative efforts put forth by various stakeholders signify not only progress but also reinforce the importance of being proactive versus reactive when it concerns disaster management. It sets the tone for similar initiatives to emerge, potentially revolutionizing how communities approach natural disaster preparedness.
Looking forward, the Odisha government remains committed to extending tsunami readiness to additional coastal areas, with systematic plans already underway. Through continued training, awareness programs, and infrastructural improvements, the state aims to pave the way for safer coastal environments.
