National Centre Of Meteorology Promotes Tsunami Preparedness On World Tsunami Awareness Day

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) took part in World Tsunami Awareness Day, focusing on the theme "Be Tsunami Ready – Invest in Tsunami Preparedness." This event aims to educate the public about tsunami risks and improve readiness to lessen their impact on lives and property. Tsunamis can cause widespread destruction, loss of life, and long-term environmental and social effects.

Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, President of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and Director-General of NCM, highlighted the significance of this day. He stated, "It is essential that we continue to strengthen regional coordination and cooperation and raise public awareness - particularly in coastal areas vulnerable to tsunamis - given the substantial economic, social, and environmental impacts of such events."

Dr. Al Mandous stressed the importance of investing in early warning systems. Developing evacuation maps and conducting regular drills are crucial for reducing human losses and safeguarding development gains over time. Community preparedness and ongoing awareness efforts are vital for boosting resilience against natural disasters.

The NCM is actively involved in improving the Tsunami Early Warning System for North-West Indian Ocean Countries Project. It also participates in regional workshops to harmonize operational procedures, enhance evacuation plans, and bolster media roles in disseminating warnings.

The Centre's participation in World Tsunami Awareness Day underscores the UAE's dedication to community protection. It aims to ensure resident safety amid natural hazards while fostering regional and international cooperation for sustainable progress in early warning systems.

The NCM collaborates with national entities on training and awareness programs. It also takes part in IOWave25, a regional field exercise simulating a tsunami to test community readiness and encourage a culture of prevention.

The United Nations General Assembly established this observance to remind communities about awareness, early preparedness, and rapid response during such disasters. The event serves as a platform to emphasize meteorological, seismological, and early warning centres' critical roles worldwide.

With inputs from WAM