Sri Vijaya Puram, November 11: Preparing coastal communities to recognise tsunami warning signs and respond to evacuation alerts was the focus of an awareness programme organised at Kakana village in Car Nicobar, where residents received guidance on emergency communication, evacuation procedures and family-level disaster preparedness.
The District Emergency Operation Centre (DEOC), under the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Nicobar District, conducted the outreach programme at the Kakana Village Community Hall to improve local understanding of tsunami hazards and strengthen preparedness for potential emergencies.
The sessions covered the causes and possible impacts of tsunamis, natural warning signs and the functioning of early warning systems. Participants also received information on tsunami alerts and the communication mechanisms used to convey emergency warnings to communities.
A key component of the programme focused on what residents should do when a tsunami threat emerges. Organisers familiarised participants with designated evacuation routes, identified safe locations and explained emergency response procedures.
The sessions also addressed household-level preparedness, including the importance of developing family emergency plans and keeping emergency kits ready. Interactive discussions allowed participants to raise questions and seek clarification on tsunami-related risks and response measures.
The programme forms part of a wider disaster preparedness initiative undertaken by the Directorate of Disaster Management, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, in coordination with the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Hyderabad, and the district administrations of South Andaman, North and Middle Andaman, and Nicobar.
The coordinated outreach activities seek to strengthen disaster risk reduction at the grassroots level by improving the preparedness of coastal communities across the islands. The initiative focuses on ensuring that residents understand tsunami threats, receive relevant warning information and know the procedures to follow during an emergency.
