Kendrapara: A preparedness assessment programme to tackle natural disasters like tsunami was organized at Sailendrasarai village under Baghamari panchayat within Talchua Marine Police Station limits in Rajnagar block of Kendrapara district.

The programme was jointly organized by the Hyderabad-based Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) and the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) to identify, assess and recognize villages that are fully prepared to face tsunami-like hazards. Villages fulfilling the criteria will be certified as 'Tsunami Ready' under the UNESCO-IOC initiative.

Under this initiative, coastal villages are being assessed on the basis of disaster preparedness, availability of early warning systems, safe evacuation routes, community awareness, shelter management and quick response capacity.

During the assessment, officials verified evacuation maps, siren systems, and community-level coordination during emergencies. Importance of mock drills, timely communication and role of volunteers were discussed.

Local residents, PRI members, ASHA and Anganwadi workers, fishermen and volunteers participated in the programme and were sensitized on do's and don'ts during a tsunami warning. The team said that Kendrapara's coastline is vulnerable, hence community preparedness is crucial to save lives.