Odisha’s 26 Villages Recognized as ‘Tsunami Ready’ by UNESCO’s IOC22 Dec 2024 | Kendrapada, Odisha

Odisha has achieved a significant milestone with 26 villages across six districts being recognized as “Tsunami Ready” by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO). This recognition, announced on December 21, 2024, is based on 12 comprehensive indicators that highlight disaster preparedness and resilience.
The initiative, led by the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), includes activities such as training, capacity building, community awareness programs, mock drills, and the installation of tsunami management infrastructure. Kaitha village in Kendrapara district served as the site for a live evacuation simulation, attended by key stakeholders including UNESCO representatives and local officials.
The collaborative efforts between local communities, government authorities, and experts have garnered both national and international recognition. Odisha’s proactive measures demonstrate the state’s commitment to building disaster-resilient coastal communities, offering a model for sustainable safety practices in the face of natural calamities.