The United Nations (UN)’s World Tsunami Awareness Day is annually observed across the globe on November 5th to create awareness about the tsunami, and the share the innovative approaches to risk reduction
The observances of the day are facilitated by the UN Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) in collaboration with the UN systems.
- The day also promotes the Target F of Sendai Seven Campaign: “substantially enhance international cooperation to developing countries through adequate and sustainable support to complement their national actions for implementation of the present Framework by 2030”.
- The observance of the day aligns with the International Day for Disaster Reduction (October 13) and the seven targets of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.
Background:
i.The United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/70/203 on 22nd December 2015 and proclaimed the 5th November of every year as World Tsunami Awareness Day.
ii.The idea to observe a World Tsunami Awareness Day was proposed by Japan, because “World Tsunami Awareness Day,” is intended to serve to protect the precious lives of people, and thus it should be associated with an example of “traditional, indigenous and local knowledge and practices” such as “Inamura-no-hi.”
- The date of November 5 is based on an anecdote and example of a good practice known in Japan as “Inamura-no-hi” (the burning of rice sheaves) which took place on the 5th of November 1854.
- The Inamura-no-hi story is based on the large tsunami that occurred after the Great Ansei Earthquake of 1854.
iii.The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, adopted in 2015 at the Third United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, follows the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005–2015, adopted in 2005 at the Second UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction.
Note:
Japan has one of the most advanced earthquake early-warning (EEW) systems in the world.The most extensive nationwide EEW system has been operating in Japan since 2007.
Tsunami Ready Program:
Tsunami Ready Recognition Pilot Programme is an international performance-based community recognition pilot of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC).
- The program will contribute to the Safe Ocean outcome of the ocean Decade by making 100% at-risk communities Tsunami Ready by 2030.
Tsunami ready in India:
Odisha villages, Venkatraipur and Noliasahi, were recognised as ‘Tsunami Ready’ for their overall preparedness to face the tsunami. Odisha became the first state in India and India became the 1st Country in the Indian Ocean region to achieve this.
What is a tsunami?
i.A tsunami is a series of enormous waves created by an underwater disturbance usually associated with earthquakes occurring below or near the ocean.
ii.The word “Tsunami” consists of 2 Japanese words Tsu which mean ‘harbour’ and nami which means ‘Wave’.
About United Nations Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR):
UNDRR formerly UNISDR- United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction.
Head– Mami Mizutori
Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland
