Past World Tsunami Awareness Days
In December 2015, the UN General Assembly designated 5 November as World Tsunami Awareness Day, calling on countries, international bodies and civil society to raise tsunami awareness and share innovative approaches to risk reduction.
World Tsunami Awareness Day was the brainchild of Japan, which due to its repeated, bitter experience has over the years built up major expertise in areas such as tsunami early warning, public action and building back better after a disaster to reduce future impacts. UN Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) facilitates the observance of World Tsunami Awareness Day in collaboration with the rest of the United Nations system.
The word "tsunami" comprises the Japanese words "tsu" (meaning harbour) and "nami" (meaning wave). A tsunami is a series of enormous waves created by an underwater disturbance usually associated with earthquakes occurring below or near the ocean.
2024: Empowering the next generation with the lessons of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami
To achieve the goal of the Sendai Framework of reducing global disaster risks and losses, the theme of World Tsunami Awareness Day 2024, which is on 5 November, we will be commemorating the 20thanniversary of the Indian Ocean Tsunami by passing its lessons to a new generation of children and youth
2023: Fighting inequality for a resilient future
Activities explored the reciprocal relationship between tsunamis and inequality: how inequality makes tsunamis more dangerous for certain populations; and how the aftermath of a tsunami can drive vulnerable people further into poverty and exacerbate inequality.
2022: GetToHighGround
In 2022 UNDRR launched a new WTAD initiative – the #GetToHighGround campaign – to activate citizens through participation in a drill, a run, or a walk along tsunami evacuation routes. These activities raise awareness about reducing tsunami risk while helping communities to prepare their own tsunami resilience. The events are an inclusive and engaging way to involve all people in raising tsunami risk awareness. Simulation exercises (SIMEX) as examples of preparedness activity.