Coordinated by the IOC, the exercise will bring together scientific institutions, national authorities and civil protection partners to test early warning systems and strengthen emergency response across the North-Eastern Atlantic, the Mediterranean and connected seas.Â
NEAMWave26 offers countries the opportunity to test end-to-end tsunami procedures in a safe, controlled setting. It is also an opportunity to test the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism through the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) of the European Commission. By simulating real world conditions, the exercise helps ensure that when a tsunami threat occurs, alerts reach the public quickly and emergency actions can be taken without delay.  Â
Saving lives through stronger tsunami preparednessÂ
Although tsunamis occur infrequently, their consequences can be devastating for millions of people living in coastal regions. Preparing for these events is essential to ensure that authorities can issue timely warnings, activate emergency plans and coordinate an effective response. NEAMWave26 gives national and local authorities an opportunity to practice these actions as situations evolve rapidly. Stronger systems and clearer procedures help deliver faster warnings, reduce uncertainty and better protect coastal communities.Â
The NEAMWave26 exercise will enable both candidate communities and those recognized as ‘Tsunami Ready’ with the opportunity to comply with UNESCO-IOC Tsunami Ready Indicator 8 on preparedness, which requires that a community-based tsunami preparedness exercise be organized at least every two years.Â
