World Tsunami Awareness Day 2026 Concept Note

The theme of World Tsunami Awareness Day 2026, on 5 November, is “Be tsunami ready: Resilience starts with you”. It builds on WTAD 2025’s emphasis on investment in preparedness by focusing on individual and community action. 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.

Calls to action:

• We call on national and local governments, civil protection agencies and disaster management authorities to organise or support tsunami evacuation drills and #GetToHighGround activities during the week of 5 November.
• We call on schools, universities and educators to integrate tsunami awareness into curricula, run age-appropriate drills and support youth-led preparedness campaigns.
• We call on municipalities, tourism operators, hotels and workplaces in coastal areas to familiarise staff and visitors with evacuation routes and natural warning signs.
• We call on media organisations and content creators to help translate tsunami risk knowledge into clear, accessible and locally relevant messaging.
• We call on organisations representing persons with disabilities, older persons and migrants to help shape inclusive preparedness materials and activities.