Odisha Declares 100 Coastal Villages 'Tsunami Ready' Under UNESCO-IOC Programme
Odisha Declares 100 Coastal Villages 'Tsunami Ready' Under UNESCO-IOC Programme
IN · Published Sep 29, 2026
• Odisha has reached a significant milestone in disaster preparedness, with 100 coastal villages now recognised as 'tsunami ready' under the UNESCO-IOC Tsunami Ready Recognition programme. This initiative, which promotes community-based tsunami preparedness, has been implemented across six coastal districts in the state. The programme involves collaboration among government authorities, scientific institutions, community leaders, and emergency management agencies. In 2024, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi set a vision to prepare all tsunami-prone villages in Odisha, and this year, 75 additional villages were added to the list, bringing the total to
• The state aims to extend this recognition to all 381 tsunami-prone villages in a phased manner.

Impact & Risks

The recognition of these villages as 'tsunami ready' significantly enhances the safety and resilience of coastal communities in Odisha. By involving local communities in disaster preparedness, the programme reduces the risks associated with tsunamis, which can cause widespread destruction and loss of life. The initiative also strengthens the state's ability to respond effectively to such natural disasters, ensuring better coordination and preparedness among stakeholders. However, the remaining 281 villages still require similar measures to mitigate risks.

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