The Sultanate of Oman has joined countries around the world in commemorating World Tsunami Awareness Day, observed annually on November 5, under the theme of “Enhance Your Readiness for Tsunamis: Resilience Starts with You.”.
Designated by the United Nations, this day aims to raise global awareness of the risks posed by tsunamis and highlight the importance of advance preparedness and sound planning to mitigate their impact on lives and property.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), represented by the National Multi Hazard Early Warning Centre, attaches great importance to developing the tsunami early warning system through upgrading monitoring and surveillance systems and strengthening regional and international cooperation in the real-time exchange of data and information.
These efforts aim to ensure the timely and accurate issuance of warnings in the event of any potential threat. In cooperation with the National Emergency Management Centre and relevant authorities, the CAA also works to enhance the preparedness of communities and individuals through regular drills, awareness program and training, thereby strengthening national capabilities in responding to natural hazards.
The commemoration of this day reflects the Sultanate of Oman’s commitment to building communities that are aware of the risks posed by natural disasters and promoting a culture of prevention and early response, contributing to the protection of lives and national assets. It also underscores the Civil Aviation Authority’s commitment to continuously developing national capabilities in early warning and natural disaster management, while supporting international efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and reduce disaster risks.
CAA continues to conduct field awareness campaigns across coastal governorates, including Muscat, North Al Batinah, South Al Batinah, Dhofar and South Al Sharqiyah. These campaigns are ongoing and will extend to all coastal governorates, with the aim of raising public awareness of the risks associated with severe weather events and tsunamis and providing guidance on the appropriate actions to take when they occur.
A number of coastal areas have witnessed the implementation of evacuation drills involving the Civil Aviation Authority, the Civil Defense and Ambulance Authority, the National Emergency Management Centre, the Ministry of Information and the Ministry of Education. These drills aim to enhance students’ and teachers’ awareness of how to respond safely in the event of tsunamis or floods, while instilling a culture of prompt and safe response.
The Sultanate of Oman is among the countries exposed to the risks of tropical cyclones and tsunamis, owing to its geographical location overlooking the Arabian Sea. These campaigns reaffirm the importance of promoting awareness of natural disaster risks and the appropriate ways to respond to them, thereby enhancing community preparedness and helping minimize human and material losses. The campaigns initially focus on coastal governorates and will subsequently extend to cover all governorates of the Sultanate of Oman.
