The Mediterranean could face a tsunami in the next thirty years with waves reaching about one meter in height and depths of around seven hundred meters, a scenario that carries serious consequences. UNESCO’s statistics describe this as a disaster with a very high probability, underscoring the need for preparedness across coastal communities.
The outlook presented by experts highlights that the chance of such an event is not guaranteed, but the indicators are strongly warning signals. The Secretary of UNESCO’s Oceanographic Commission emphasized that the probability is indeed significant, and communities must be ready to respond swiftly when alerts appear. Preparedness acts as the first line of defense against devastating impact and should be a shared responsibility across regions and governments.
Today, UNESCO recognizes forty coastal regions across twenty-one countries as having some level of preparedness to cope with tsunamis. This focus is expected to be a central topic at the upcoming United Nations ocean summit in Lisbon, marking a turning point for prevention strategies and community resilience on a global scale.
The Tsunami Ready initiative aims to equip coastal communities worldwide with the knowledge, systems, and practices needed to withstand tsunami events. In the Mediterranean, however, experts caution that authorities may have underestimated the real risk, which leaves some populations more exposed than assumed. Building strong, local capacity becomes essential to avoid complacency in the face of evolving threats.
This EU-supported program began on the Greek island of Kos in 2020, following a smaller tsunami event in 2017. UNESCO is now coordinating with the European Union to broaden education and conservation efforts so that nearby coastal communities benefit from shared expertise and better protection against future waves. The goal is to expand readiness, response, and recovery practices across neighboring regions and beyond, creating a robust network of safety measures anchored in science and community participation.
The objective is clear: aim for full readiness in coastal areas exposed to tsunamis. Coastal planners, emergency managers, and local leaders stress that many zones remain vulnerable and must be prepared to act quickly when warnings are issued. A broad, practical approach helps ensure that people understand what to do, where to go, and how to protect themselves when a tsunami threat emerges.
To design effective education programs, a set of criteria is applied to evaluate risk in each area. These criteria consider not only the geological and hydrological factors but also the social and economic conditions of communities, the makeup of the local landscape, and the surrounding vegetation. Such a holistic view supports targeted training and resource allocation that can save lives during a tsunami event.
Coordination remains a critical element—between research institutions, government agencies, and emergency services. Strong collaboration enables timely communication, efficient drills, and a coherent surge response when a threat is detected. Families, schools, workplaces, and local businesses all benefit from a dependable framework that explains what to do and where to seek shelter when danger approaches.
Most tsunami events originate from seismic activity, with volcanic processes contributing a substantial portion as well. A smaller fraction arises from meteorological conditions, reminding planners that multiple pathways can lead to a tsunami scenario. Understanding these sources helps communities tailor defenses, conduct safe evacuations, and practice regular drills so that action becomes second nature in moments of crisis.
Ultimately, the aim is to empower every coastal resident with practical knowledge, functional plans, and confidence in local authorities. By building resilient behaviors and strong institutions, societies can mitigate damage and accelerate recovery after a tsunami event. The effort is about more than hazard awareness; it is about creating a living system of preparedness that can adapt to changing risks over time.
Marked notes of caution also underscore the value of local culture, language, and community networks in delivering effective warnings and guidance. When people understand the reason behind procedures and have trust in the information they receive, compliance improves and outcomes improve. This is why education is woven into every layer of the Tsunami Ready framework, from schools and community centers to emergency operation centers and public warning channels. The result is a resilient coastline where people know what to do, how to communicate, and where to seek help during a tsunami threat, preserving lives and safeguarding livelihoods. [Citation: UNESCO IOC Tsunami Program and partner organizations]