Bhubaneswar: The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO) has recognised 26 villages, including two previously recognised villages, in six districts of Odisha as “Tsunami Ready”.
According to a press communiqué, the recognition was based on 12 specific indicators, achieved through a series of well-planned activities aimed at building resilience against tsunamis. These activities include Training and Capacity Building, Community Awareness Programmes, Distribution of Tsunami Awareness Materials, Preparation of Tsunami Management Plans, Conducting Mock Drills, Identifying Evacuation Routes, and Installation of Tsunami Hoardings and Signages.
The role of the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Hyderabad, has been vital in this initiative, the release added.
In fact, preparedness activities in Odisha have drawn national and international attention. Recently, a live evacuation simulation was conducted at Kaitha village in Kendrapara district, in the presence of eminent personalities, including UNESCO officials.
