Scientists at the Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) are working to improve early warning systems for tsunamis originating from the Sumatra-Andaman subduction zone with the aim of reducing the warning time for India’s east coast to less than five minutes, from the current 10 minutes or less.
This improvement could be achieved by integrating about 32 Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) sensors in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to monitor ocean floor tremors, using the data for rapid source characterization and deploying machine learning-based inundation models and impact predictions.
At the first Ocean Decade Tsunami Program (ODTP) conference held over two days at the INCOIS headquarters in Pragatinagar, scientists from India and abroad discussed the implementation of the project, particularly the development of the capability to issue actionable and timely tsunami warnings for all identified sources on 100% of the threatened coastlines.
Another key objective is to prepare a timeline to make all tsunami-prone coastal communities resilient by 2030 through initiatives such as the IOC-UNESCO Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme. The researchers are also investigating the condition of the earth’s crustal faults after the 2004 tsunami, improving the characterization of the sources of landslides and steep coastal margins because “early warnings can save lives”.
Earlier, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences M. Ravichandran said that steps are underway to introduce multi-dimensional early warning systems, strengthen observation networks from seabed sensors to mobile alerts, expand GNSS stations, increase tide gauges and buoys, install sirens, upgrade hazard maps for all oceanographic threats and build natural solutions such as mangroves and coral reefs. “We should be able to detect well and decide quickly,” he said.
Scientist Emeritus Harsh K. Gupta of the National Geophysical Research Institute pointed out that recorders on the ocean floor can detect signals from earthquakes on the seafloor, unlike surface waves that dissipate after traveling a kilometer or so. He urged countries to invest in shallow bathymetry and topography for better warning systems.
INCOIS Director TM Balakrishnan Nair called for transnational collaboration to expand research on the Makran (Arabian Sea) coast and highlighted efforts to double ocean observation systems, build capacity, provide training and strengthen tsunami preparedness among coastal communities.
Published – 11 Nov 2025 21:18 IST
