THE United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) launched the #GetToHighGround campaign in 2022 to promote awareness about reducing the risk of tsunamis. The campaign comprises the activities of citizens to participate in drills, runs, or walks along tsunami evacuation routes, which helps communities prepare for natural disasters and build their resilience. Thanks to these activities, raising public awareness helps reduce tsunami risk.
World Tsunami Awareness Day 2025 shines a spotlight on building resilient communities through the Tsunami Ready Programme – a global effort to turn awareness into action. This year’s campaign champions proactive preparedness, uniting governments, scientists, local leaders, and the public to reduce tsunami risks together.
Tsunamis can be deadly, but they needn’t be. Early warning and early action are effective tools to protect people, saving lives, and preventing the hazard from becoming a disaster. To be effective, tsunami early-warning systems must cover every at-risk person, they must be multi-hazard, and communities must be prepared so they can act quickly.
The UN General Assembly designated 5 November as World Tsunami Awareness Day in December 2025, calling on countries, international bodies and civil society to raise tsunami awareness and share innovative approaches to risk reduction. World Tsunami Awareness Day was the brainchild of Japan, which, due to its repeated, bitter experience, has over the years built up major expertise in areas such as tsunami early warning, public action and building back better after a disaster to reduce future impacts.
Tsunamis are rare events but can be extremely deadly. In the past 100 years, 58 of them have claimed more than 260,000 lives, or an average of 4,600 per disaster, surpassing any other natural hazard. The highest number of deaths in that period was in the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004. Hence, not only the government but also relevant regional authorities have to emphasize public awareness of tsunamis and educate residents on how to manage themselves to escape from tsunamis and their impacts.
Rescue squads must be formed in respective areas to perform search and rescue measures if a tsunami hits the regions. Moreover, tsunami early-warning systems must be facilitated in respective areas so as to save the people in time. Thanks to the government and donors, shelters must be built in safe places to accommodate the people when severe disasters, including tsunamis. On the other hand, relief supplies must be stockpiled as part of preparation for the people who faced the tsunami to be able to reduce tsunami risks.
