Every year on November 5, the world observes World Tsunami Awareness Day (WTAD) to highlight the immense threat posed by tsunamis and the importance of being prepared. The United Nations established this day to remind nations and communities of the devastating impact tsunamis can cause and the need for strong disaster-prevention measures. Tsunamis are among the most powerful and destructive natural hazards, usually triggered by undersea earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides that displace large amounts of water. Over the past century, major tsunami events have caused enormous loss of life and destruction across coastal regions.
One of the most catastrophic examples was the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 26, 2004, which claimed more than 230,000 lives across 14 countries. This tragedy became a turning point for global awareness and spurred international efforts to build effective early-warning systems and community preparedness programs. The event also led to the creation of World Tsunami Awareness Day, aimed at ensuring such large-scale loss would never happen again through lack of readiness.
đ Theme for World Tsunami Awareness Day 2025: “Be Tsunami Ready: Invest in Tsunami Preparedness.”
This year’s focus stresses that while tsunamis are rare, their consequences are extremely severe, making early investment in preparedness both cost-effective and life-saving. The campaign encourages governments and communities to invest in early warning systems, conduct regular evacuation drills, improve coastal infrastructure, and promote public education. It also emphasizes the importance of international cooperation for sharing data, technology, and resources to ensure coordinated responses to potential tsunami threats.
World Tsunami Awareness Day was first proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015, following a proposal from Japan. The date of November 5 was chosen to honor the story of Hamaguchi GoryÅ, a Japanese farmer who saved his village in 1854 by setting fire to his rice sheaves to warn others of an approaching tsunami. His quick thinking and selflessness have become symbols of the importance of acting early in the face of disaster.
Today, more than 700 million people live in low-lying coastal areas and small island nations that are at risk from tsunamis. With rising sea levels due to climate change, the potential impact of these events is increasing. Therefore, maintaining public awareness and ensuring communities are trained and prepared are more important than ever. Governments are urged to integrate tsunami preparedness into school curricula, urban planning, and national development strategies.
Communities and individuals can also play an active role in tsunami readiness. Everyone living or working near a coastline should learn about local tsunami risks, identify evacuation routes, and participate in drills and awareness events. Investing in local infrastructure such as warning sirens, evacuation signage, and safe shelters is vital. Even simple actions—like sharing information with neighbors or teaching children what to do when a tsunami warning is issued—can save countless lives.
For countries like Sri Lanka, which was severely affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the message of WTAD is especially meaningful. Many coastal communities remain vulnerable, and preparedness activities such as regular drills, community education, and the maintenance of early-warning systems are crucial. World Tsunami Awareness Day provides an opportunity each year to reflect on past experiences, strengthen safety measures, and ensure that people remain alert to the risks.
In conclusion, World Tsunami Awareness Day 2025 serves as a reminder that preparedness saves lives. By investing in early warning systems, public education, and resilient infrastructure, the world can reduce the impact of future tsunamis. On November 5, let us all join hands globally to raise awareness, take preventive actions, and build a safer and more resilient future for coastal communities everywhere.
