01-05 December 2025
INCOIS, Hyderabad, India.
| Abstract Submission No. | ABS-05-0285 |
| Title of Abstract | Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System: Two Decades of Progress and Future Directions |
| Authors | Srinivasa Kumar Tummala*, Suci Dewi Anugrah, Ajay Kumar Bandela, Nora Gale, Ardito Kodijat, Sunanda Manneela, Yuelong Miao, Padmanabham Jijjavarapu, Wahyu Pandoe, E. Pattabhi Rama Rao, Harkunti P Rahayu, Weniza |
| Organisation | UNESCO-IOC |
| Address | 1 Ord Street WEST PERTH, Western Australia, Australia Pincode: 6005 E-mail: sk.tummala@unesco.org |
| Country | Australia |
| Presentation | Oral |
| Abstract | Established in 2005 under UNESCO⿿s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) after the 2004 tsunami, the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (IOTWMS) is coordinated by the Intergovernmental Coordination Group (ICG/IOTWMS). It includes 27 Member States and Territories, supported by Tsunami Service Providers (TSPs) in Australia, India, and Indonesia. These TSPs provide threat information to National Tsunami Warning Centres (NTWCs), which issue national alerts. Over two decades, IOTWMS has evolved into a robust, interoperable system built on three pillars: Risk Assessment and Reduction; Detection, Warning and Dissemination; and Awareness and Response. Key achievements include improved hazard assessments, expanded seismic and sea-level monitoring, 24/7 NTWC operations, initial implementation of the UNESCO-IOC Tsunami Ready Programme in India and Indonesia, regular regional training workshops, and biennial Indian Ocean Wave exercises. Capacity assessments in 2005, 2018, and 2024 have guided progress. The 2024 survey of 22 Member States showed significant advances in hazard assessments, national policies, and community preparedness. However, gaps remain in upstream warning systems, non-seismic detection, real-time data sharing, last-mile communication, community-level SOPs, and evacuation planning. Additional challenges include limited dissemination systems, lack of integration with broader multi-hazard frameworks, funding constraints, and the need for expanded training. The IOTWMS work plan addresses these gaps while aligning with the UN Ocean Decade Tsunami Programme and the Early Warnings for All initiative. It emphasizes inclusive, technology-enabled, multi-hazard approaches, with special attention to the needs of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Multilateral cooperation among Member States, regional bodies, and international partners remains central to governance, innovation, and capacity building, and will be vital as IOTWMS enters its next phase. |
| Are you part of IIOE-2 endorsed project | no |
| Keywords | Indian Ocean, Tsunami Warning System, Risk Assessment, Early Warning Dissemination, Community Preparedness, Tsunami Ready Programme, Multilateral Cooperation, Multi-Hazard Framework, UN Ocean Decade |
| For Awards | no |