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Twenty-four coastal villages in Odisha have been acknowledged as ‘Tsunami Ready’ by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO. This recognition was announced during the 2nd Global Tsunami Symposium held in Indonesia on November 11.
Details of Recognized Villages
The recognized villages are located in six districts
- Balasore
- Bhadrak
- Kendrapada
- Jagatsinghpur
- Puri
- Ganjam
Additionally, the Tsunami Ready Recognition Certificates for two villages, Noliasahi (Jagatsinghpur) and Venkatraipur (Ganjam), were renewed. These villages first received recognition in 2020.
Preparatory Activities
To achieve this recognition, various measures were undertaken, including:
Stakeholder Training: Educating community members and local authorities.
Awareness Programs: Enhancing public knowledge about tsunami risks and safety measures.
Management Plans: Developing tsunami-specific disaster management strategies.
Mock Drills: Conducting simulated evacuation and emergency response exercises.
Evacuation Route Mapping: Identifying and marking safe pathways for community evacuation.
Assessment and Verification
- The recognition process involved a thorough verification of 12 indicators by the National Tsunami Ready Recognition Board (NTRB).
- This board comprises: Scientists from the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS).
- Officers from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
- Following their assessment in September, the NTRB recommended these villages for recognition as Tsunami Ready Communities by IOC-UNESCO.
Statewide Efforts
Odisha’s government has identified 381 villages as tsunami-prone. The Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) is actively working to ensure that all these communities achieve ‘Tsunami Ready’ status in the near future.
Global Significance
This recognition highlights Odisha’s proactive approach to disaster preparedness, setting an example for coastal communities worldwide. By empowering local populations with knowledge and resources, the state has enhanced resilience against potential tsunamis, ensuring safety and preparedness at the grassroots level.
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