The Mediterranean faces a real chance of tsunami events over the next thirty years, with waves exceeding one meter in height and water depths around seven hundred meters in some scenarios. UNESCO experts describe this as a probability that is very high, stressing that preparedness is essential for coastal communities to reduce impact and save lives.
Vladimir Ryabinin, secretary of the UNESCO Oceanographic Commission, spoke at a press conference about the world tsunami warning system Tsunami Ready. He noted that while the likelihood is not guaranteed, the risk is significant enough to warrant proactive measures and robust planning. The message from UNESCO is clear: uncertainty does not justify inaction, and taking steps now can lessen the damage when a tsunami occurs.
At present, UNESCO identifies forty coastal areas across twenty-one countries that have achieved some level of readiness in the run-up to the United Nations ocean summit in Lisbon. This momentum highlights a global push to improve early warning systems, evacuation planning, and community resilience. These developments were reported by Efe and reflect a broader international focus on protecting coastal populations.
The Tsunami Ready initiative is a UNESCO-led effort aimed at strengthening coastal resilience against tsunamis across all geographical regions. In the Mediterranean, experts warn that authorities often underestimate risk, which can lead to insufficient public preparedness and slower response times when a tsunami threat is detected.
The EU-funded project began on the Greek island of Kos in 2020, following a minor tsunami event in 2017. Since then, UNESCO has joined forces with the European Union to extend education, risk awareness, and conservation efforts to more Greek coastal communities and beyond. This collaboration seeks to build a safer coastal zone by sharing best practices and aligning with shared regional goals.
The objective is to ensure that all coastal areas are prepared for a tsunami event. Experts acknowledge that many vulnerable zones require special attention, and preparedness must be comprehensive, incorporating local context and capacity to respond effectively when a tsunami is detected. Bernardo Aliaga, an IOC-UNESCO tsunami program expert, emphasizes the need for widespread readiness and continuous community engagement.
Educational programs are designed to reflect regional risk profiles, taking into account factors such as economic conditions, land use, and the surrounding vegetation. These elements influence both the likelihood of damage and the most effective response strategies in a tsunami scenario. Coordination between researchers, security services, and emergency authorities is highlighted as a critical factor in delivering timely and accurate warnings, clear evacuation routes, and coordinated rescue operations.
In terms of causes, approximately seventy percent of tsunami events stem from seismic activity, about twenty percent from volcanic activity, and the remaining ten percent result from meteorological phenomena. This breakdown helps planners tailor monitoring networks, hazard maps, and community drills to the most probable threat types in different regions.
Continued attention is being given to integrating scientific research with practical emergency management. The emphasis is on creating a seamless flow from detection to warning delivery to community action. The aim is to empower individuals and local authorities to act decisively when a tsunami forecast is issued, reducing casualties and property damage through informed decision-making and practiced response protocols.
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Note on sources: UNESCO IOC and the Tsunami Ready program provide ongoing guidance and accreditation for tsunami preparedness efforts. Regional case studies and policy updates reflect the evolving nature of risk assessment and mitigation in coastal zones.