Daftarsbmptn.com – Every year, November 5th is celebrated globally as World Tsunami Awareness Day. This observance aims to raise global awareness about tsunamis and refine risk reduction strategies for tsunami disasters.
According to the official UN website, World Tsunami Awareness Day was established by the UN General Assembly in December 2015. This observance was originally proposed by Japan, a country frequently hit by tsunamis.
November 5th was chosen to commemorate the story of “Inamura-no-hi” (rice burning) in 1854. At that time, a farmer saved his village by burning his rice harvest to signal the need for evacuation after an earthquake and tsunami.
Japan’s proposal was based on its long history of tsunamis and its expertise in disaster preparedness. Over the years, Japan has built significant expertise in areas such as tsunami early warning, public action, and rebuilding better after disasters to reduce future impacts.
This year’s theme for World Tsunami Awareness Day is “Be Tsunami Ready: Invest in Tsunami Preparedness.” This theme highlights efforts to build resilient communities through the “Tsunami Ready Program,” a global effort to turn awareness into action. This year’s campaign seeks to champion proactive preparedness, bringing together governments, scientists, local leaders, and communities to collectively reduce tsunami risk.
This year’s campaign also aligns with the theme of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction and the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development, “Financing Our Future.” The campaign calls for smart investments in resilience and shared responsibility for safer coasts.
Why Is November 5th Celebrated?
World Tsunami Awareness Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly on December 22, 2015. This designation represents a global commitment to raising public awareness and preparedness for the risk of tsunamis, one of the world’s deadliest natural disasters.
November 5th was chosen to honor the inspiring story of Inamura-no-Hi (“Fire in the Rice Stacks”), which occurred in Japan in 1854.
The Story of Inamura-no-Hi: A Legend of Tsunami Preparedness
The story begins on November 5, 1854, when Hamamura Goryo, a wealthy farmer in Japan, noticed an unusually low tide—a sign of an impending tsunami. To warn his villagers, he set fire to his rice stacks on a hill, sending them running toward the fire and away from the shore.
Thanks to his swift action and sacrifice, many lives were saved. This story has become a symbol of tsunami preparedness and early warning measures.
Purpose of World Tsunami Awareness Day
This commemoration not only commemorates history but also has global strategic objectives, including:
- Promoting public understanding of tsunami risks.
- Strengthening tsunami early warning systems nationally and internationally.
- Strengthening community preparedness in disaster-prone areas.
- Enhancing cooperation between countries in disaster management.
- The UN also emphasizes the importance of integrating tsunami prevention efforts into sustainable development policies (SDGs), especially in the context of climate change, which exacerbates risks.
Tsunami in World History: Lessons That Continue to Resonate
Tsunamis have caused significant damage throughout history. Some tragic events include:
- Indian Ocean Tsunami (December 26, 2004): Killed more than 230,000 people in 14 countries, including Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
- The Japanese Tsunami (March 11, 2011): Devastated the Tohoku region and triggered the Fukushima nuclear crisis.
- The 2004 Aceh Tsunami: A turning point in disaster mitigation policy in Indonesia.
- These tragedies emphasized the importance of education, mitigation, and emergency prevention and response infrastructure.
Indonesia and World Tsunami Awareness Day
As a country with the second-longest coastline in the world and an area prone to tectonic earthquakes, Indonesia actively commemorates World Tsunami Awareness Day through:
- Tsunami evacuation simulations in schools and communities.
- Disaster education campaigns in coastal areas.
- Development of early warning technology (InaTEWS).
- Construction of tsunami museums and educational monuments.
- Conclusion: Awareness for Future Safety
World Tsunami Awareness Day is not just a historical commemoration, but a collective commitment to prevent the repeat of past tragedies. Education, preparedness, and global solidarity are key to protecting millions of people from the threat of unexpected tsunamis.
By learning from history, strengthening disaster mitigation, and building a culture of preparedness, we can ensure that future generations live safer and more resilient lives in the face of disasters.