9 coastal panchayats in Kerala earmarked for UNSECO ‘tsunami ready’ assessment

In addition to training and capacity building, some of the activities to be evaluated include preparing tsunami management plans, identifying evacuation routes, and installing tsunami boards and signs (file) | Photo credit: NIRMAL HARINDRAN

The Kerala government has informed the National Tsunami Preparedness Board (NTRB) that nine coastal panchayats in the state are ready to be assessed and recognized as ‘tsunami prepared’ by the UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC-UNESCO).

Recognition is given based on specific indicators achieved through a series of well-planned activities aimed at building tsunami resilience. The evaluation process is likely to take place in November 2026 in the nine coastal panchayats identified in the first phase of the project.

It includes Karumkulam in Thiruvananthapuram; Alappad in Kollam; Purakkad in Alappuzha; Edavanakkad in Ernakulam; Eriyad in Thrissur; Veliyancode in Malappuram; Chemanchery in Kozhikode; Azhikode in Kannur; and Valiyaparamba in Kasaragod.

“Nine coastal panchayats have completed the tasks assigned under the Tsunami Ready tag, which included conducting training and capacity building, community awareness programs and conducting mock exercises as part of improving tsunami awareness and community response,” said Sekhar L. Kuriakose, Member Secretary, Kerala State Disaster Management Authority.

Field verification

Field verification of the nine coastal panchayats will be carried out by members of the NTRB, comprising scientists from the Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services and officers from the National Disaster Management Authority. They will interact with local communities to assess their readiness.

In addition to training and capacity building, some of the activities evaluated include preparing tsunami management plans, identifying evacuation routes, and installing tsunami boards and signs. NTRB will recommend IOC-UNESCO to recognize coastal panchayats as ‘tsunami ready’ based on their assessment.

Sajith KA, president of Edvanakkad grama panchayat in Ernakulam district, said that various activities shortlisted for certification have started in 2022. “We have completed the stated targets and are ready for evaluation. The local communities, including fishermen, have been actively involved in these initiatives,” he said.

Published – 7 Oct 2026 11:47 AM IST