World Tsunami Awareness Day/ UN chief for strong preparedness to tackle tsunami risks

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged all for greater attentiveness and international cooperation to contain the devastating impacts of tsunami.

The UN Chief made the call in a message marking World Tsunami Awareness Day 2026 on Thursday (5 November), Guterres said proper preparation and collective action could help reduce damage and save lives.

He stressed that as one of nature’s deadliest disasters, the Tsunami, required strong awareness to curb risks.

The governments have to take the lead in building disaster-resilient coastal infrastructure, planning land use according to risk and establishing multi-hazard early warning systems.

Countries should also strengthen cooperation in science, data sharing and forecasting to improve tsunami preparedness, according to the message.

The UN chief said individuals, families and communities in tsunami-prone areas also had an important role to play in reducing risks.

"On this World Tsunami Awareness Day, let’s take charge of resilience. By working together we can be tsunami ready – and save lives whenever the waves strike," the message said.