20 years after the 2004 Tsunami : What progress has been made? (brochure)

The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami killed over 228,000 people, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in recent history. This tragedy served as a wake-up call, driving UNESCO to unite its Member States, scientists and communities worldwide in ensuring that at-risk populations are better protected than ever before.

Over the past two decades, as the United Nations' science Organization, UNESCO has coordinated global action to enhance tsunami preparedness, develop advanced early warning systems, and fortify coastal community resilience.

UNESCO and its partners have set up a Global Tsunami Warning System that spans the Pacific, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean, Caribbean, and North-East Atlantic. This system integrates rapid detection technologies, seismic and sea-level monitoring, and real-time data sharing to ensure alerts reach coastal communities as swiftly as possible. Through these systems, UNESCO has bolstered the response capacity of coastal nations, reducing the response time in places from up to tens of minutes down to just few minutes today, saving countless lives and reducing the impacts of potential tsunamis.

UNESCO's work has emphasized extensive community preparedness through its Tsunami Ready initiative, which already involves 32 countries and aims to certify 100% of at-risk communities by 2030. This program includes public education, hazard mapping, evacuation planning, and annual simulation drills to strengthen awareness and readiness in vulnerable coastal areas.

In its commitment to advancing tsunami science, UNESCO has also invested in cutting-edge research, including seabed mapping, deep-ocean and buoy technologies, aswell as hazard assessments that enhance our understanding of tsunami risks.

The 20th anniversary of the 2004 tsunami is an opportunity to call on States to continue efforts in supporting and funding for tsunami preparedness and education. UNESCO remains committed to

safeguarding lives by ensuring that every vulnerable coastline is equipped with the knowledge, tools, and systems needed to face future tsunamis.