Description

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Context:

Twenty-four coastal villages in Odisha were recognised by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO as 'Tsunami Ready'.

Details:

Developed By	Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO.
Type	International, Community-Based Recognition Programme.
Aim	Build resilient communities through awareness and preparedness strategies to protect life, livelihoods, and property from tsunamis in different regions.
Main Goal	Improve coastal community preparedness for tsunamis and minimize the loss of life, livelihoods, and property.
Approach	A collaborative effort to meet a standard level of tsunami preparedness through established indicators.
Recognition Criteria	Communities must meet all 12 indicators covering Assessment, Preparedness, and Response.
Indicators Focus	Assessment, Preparedness, Response.
Recognition Validity	Renewable every four years.
Implementation	Voluntary, performance-based programme promoting collaboration among national and local warning agencies, government, scientists, and communities.
Stakeholders Involved	National and local warning agencies, Emergency management agencies, Government authorities, Scientists, Community leaders, Public.

About the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)

The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC/UNESCO) was established by resolution 2.31 adopted by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It first met in Paris at UNESCO Headquarters from 19 to 27 October 1961.

The IOC is the only UN body specialized in ocean science and services. It provides a focus for other UN organizations and agencies with regard to ocean science, observations and data exchange, and services such as global tsunami warning systems.

Established in 1960, the Commission celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2010 and currently has 147 Member States. Since the IOC often has its own accreditation within meetings such as those of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), this gives UNESCO two seats and two voices at the table.

About Tsunami

Tsunamis are a sequence of extraordinarily long waves that are produced when the ocean shifts dramatically and suddenly as a result of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, etc. These are among the most potent and destructive natural forces; they are also known as seismic sea waves.

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Tsunami

Source:

THE HINDU

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Examine the causes of tsunamis and their impact on coastal ecosystems and human settlements. Suggest measures to enhance India's preparedness for tsunami events. (150 words)