Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services

Indian Tsunami Early Warning System comprises a real-time seismic monitoring and sea-level (Tsunami buoys and Tide gauges) network. In addition, INCOIS also takes the help of numerical model to assess the tsunami potential at different locations on the coast. The system is operational round the clock on all days. The ITEWC is capable of detecting tsunamigenic earthquakes occurring in the Indian Ocean as well as in the Global Oceans within 10 minutes of the occurrence of the earthquake and disseminates the advisories to the concerned authorities through email, fax, SMS, GTS and website. The ITEWC is providing advisories to all Indian Ocean rim countries as part of UNESCO-IOC framework. Tsunami cannot be prevented, but its impact can be mitigated through community and emergency preparedness, timely warnings, effective response, and public education. ITEWC has been organizing regular workshops, trainings and seminars to create awareness about tsunamis to stake holders. ITEWC, INCOIS regularly conducts communication tests and mock exercises to test the efficiency of communication links to evaluate the readiness to handle emergency situations. Tsunami Ready is a community performance-based programme initiated by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO to promote tsunami preparedness through active collaboration of public, community leaders, and national and local emergency management agencies. The main objective of this programme is to improve coastal community's preparedness for tsunami emergencies, to minimize the loss of life and property and to ensure a structural and systematic approach in building community preparedness through fulfilling the best-practice indicators (11 Nos) set by the Intergovernmental Coordination Group for the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (ICG/IOTWMS) of UNESCO-IOC. Fulfillment of the guidelines ensures communities have a strong end-to-end tsunami early warning and mitigation system with a particular focus on community awareness and preparedness to respond. The programme contributes to the overall aim and goals of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) 2015-2030 and its 7 global targets. Additionally, it contributes to Goal 11 of the Sustainable Development Goals Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable'. As per the regional guidelines, each community is expected to fulfill 11 important indicators to be recognized as Tsunami Ready. Each community that successfully builds their capacities and demonstrates the following 11 indicators are carefully assessed and provided with a recognition certificate by UNESCO-IOC: 1. Have Community Tsunami Risk Reduction Plan. 2. Have designated and mapped tsunami hazard inundation zones. 3. Have a public display of tsunami information. 4. Produce easily understood tsunami evacuation maps as determined to be appropriate by local authorities in collaboration with communities. 5. Develop and distribute outreach and public education materials. 6. Hold at least three outreach or educational activities annually. 7. Conduct an annual tsunami community exercise. 8. Address tsunami hazards in the communities Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)..