World Tsunami Awareness Day (WTAD) 2025
Tsunamis are infrequent, but when they strike coastal populations, the damage can be catastrophic – in lives, livelihoods and economic loss.
How a schoolgirl outsmarted a tsunami: The story of Tilly Smith
The theme supports global messaging on recognising natural tsunami warning signs, moving immediately to high ground or inland when needed, knowing local evacuation routes, preparing household emergency plans, taking part in community drills, and helping people who may require additional support, including children, older persons, persons with disabilities and tourists.
The theme aligns with the final stretch of Sendai Framework implementation to 2030, with the Early Warnings for All initiative, and with the continued expansion of the UNESCO-IOC Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme.
Key messages
You are the first responder
In many tsunami scenarios, waves may arrive before official warnings do.
Strong or prolonged ground shaking
An unusual rise or recession of the sea
A loud ocean roar
Move immediately to high ground
Preparedness is power: Knowing an evacuation route, agreeing on a family meeting point, keeping essential supplies ready and taking part in drills builds readiness through simple actions practised regularly.
Early warnings save lives when people can act on them: Warning systems, science and technology matter, and they translate into safety when warnings are trusted, understood and acted upon quickly.
Inclusive preparedness protects everyone: Reaching persons with disabilities, children, older persons, tourists and migrants with clear, accessible planning extends protection to those most at risk of being left behind.
Community resilience begins with individual readiness: When neighbours, teachers, shopkeepers, hotel staff and local leaders know what to do, the entire community becomes safer.
Watch for inspiration
We can’t stop tsunamis — but we can prevent disasters
Mauritius leads the way in tsunami preparedness
These researchers built a tsunami simulator that recreates tsunamis in the lab
Facts and Figures
Sources: GFDRR Knowledge Note 2-3, The Education Sector (Shaw et al.); World Bank (Hallegatte, 2012); WMO, The Triple Dividends of Early Warning Systems and Climate Services (2024)
Celebrate World Tsunami Awareness Day
Participate in an event, promote one, or join the conversation on invest in Tsunami preparedness. Many events will be organized around the world to commemorate the World Tsunami Awareness Day on 5 November.
Send us your activities so that we can amplify your events. We would be delighted to know more about how you are going to commemorate the Day. Find out more about organizing your own #GetToHighGround event.
Share your event
UNDRR welcomes events from the community and partners.
