November 18, 2024.
Introduction:
The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO has recently acknowledged 24 tsunami-prone villages in Odisha. This recognition occurred during the 2nd Global Tsunami Symposium in Indonesia on November 11, 2024. The villages are located across six coastal districts – Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, and Ganjam.
Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme
The Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme (TRRP) aims to enhance community preparedness. It includes various activities to educate and train residents about tsunami risks and response strategies. The IOC-UNESCO evaluates communities based on 12 specific indicators.
Recognised Villages
The 24 villages recognised include –
- Balasore District – Jagannathpur, Jayadev kasabapahi, Sahapur, Kanyanagari
- Bhadrak District – Mohanpur, Adhuan, Badahabelisahi, Sanakrushnapur
- Kendrapara District – Kantilo, Tantiapal Sasan, Kaitha
- Jagatsinghpur District – Bagheipur, Dhanuharbelari, Sahadabedi, Bhuyanpal
- Puri District – Keutjanga, Narasinghpatana, Khalakatapatana, Chhotipada
- Ganjam District – Uppulaputti, Prayagi, Kantiagada, Markandi
Activities Undertaken
To achieve this recognition, several initiatives have been implemented. These include training sessions for stakeholders, community awareness programmes, and the distribution of educational materials. Tsunami Management Plans have been developed, and mock drills have been conducted to prepare residents.
Verification Process
In September 2024, the National Tsunami Ready Recognition Boards conducted site visits. They verified the implementation of the 12 indicators in the 26 coastal villages. Their findings led to the recommendation for the communities to be recognised as Tsunami Ready.
Odisha has 381 tsunami-prone coastal villages. The Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) aims to prepare all these communities in a phased approach. The goal is to ensure comprehensive tsunami readiness across the state.