Tsunami Ready Programme in NEAM region: strategies, responsibilities and further advancements to protect communities from tsunamis

One of the most critical part of tsunami warning systems is the so-called “last mile”, i.e., informing promptly residents and tourists about a possible impending inundation.

In Italy, one of the most recent activities to reach this goal is the implementation of the Tsunami Ready (TR) Program, developed under the aegis of UNESCO and achieved in synergy between INGV, ISPRA and the Italian Civil Protection Department (the three components of the Italian Tsunami Warning System - SiAM).

In 2020, the path towards the TR recognition has started in three Italian pilot municipalities: Minturno, Palmi, Marzamemi. The response of local authorities has been enthusiastic in all three cases, despite numerous bureaucratic obstacles to involvement and membership.

Italy as a NEAM member aims to reach the goal of 100% of communities at risk of tsunami prepared for and resilient to tsunamis by 2030 through the implementation of the UNESCO/IOC Tsunami Ready Programme.

Several developments are going on because all participants are aware that TR is a virtuous model for dealing with tsunami risk, with numerous implications in terms of education and responsibilities for the harmful consequences of a tsunami.

First of all, the direct involvement of citizens in the education and information process represents a significant step change of TR. It is achieved through the participation of citizens’ representatives in the TR Local Board, which is responsible for monitoring the development of procedures and certifying that a suite of 12 target parameters identified in the TR guidelines have been accomplished.

It is important to remind that the recognition as Tsunami Ready community must be also approved by the National TR Board and by the UNESCO ICG.

Secondly, the existence of internationally accredited guidelines (IOC UNESCO n. 74 and its ongoing updates) represents a reliable parameter for determining the behavior to be adopted by public decision-makers.  In case of harmful events, the compliance with these parameters can contribute to mitigating the (possible) criminal reproach against civil protection officers charged in risk management.