Introduction

The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was a catastrophic event that claimed over 230,000 lives across 14 countries, marking a defining moment in global disaster management. For India, it served as a wake-up call, revealing a glaring need for robust preparedness and a reliable early warning mechanism. In response, India developed the Indian Tsunami Early Warning System (TEWS), which has since evolved into a benchmark of technological innovation and regional cooperation in disaster risk reduction.

Development and Key Features of India’s Tsunami Early Warning System (TEWS)

·       Following the 2004 disaster, India established the Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC) under the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) in Hyderabad. Fully operational by 2007, this centre has become a cornerstone of India’s disaster management infrastructure.

·       The TEWS integrates an array of advanced technologies to detect and respond to tsunamis. Seismic sensors identify undersea earthquakes, while DART (Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunami) buoys measure ocean pressure changes indicative of tsunami waves. Complementing these are Wave Rider Buoys that assess wave behavior, tide gauges that detect abnormal sea-level variations, and satellite communication systems that enable swift data transmission and alert dissemination.

·       The system follows a four-pronged operational mechanism. It begins with detection through real-time seismic monitoring, followed by simulation using predictive models to estimate wave travel and coastal impact. Monitoring tools then refine these predictions, and finally, alerts are disseminated using multiple channels—SMS, email, television, radio, and social media—to ensure timely public outreach.

India’s Role in Global and Regional Tsunami Preparedness

·       India’s TEWS does not function in isolation; it plays a significant role in the global framework for tsunami risk reduction. India maintains data-sharing arrangements with international seismic monitoring agencies and works closely with bodies like the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center and the Japan Meteorological Agency. Its indigenous DART buoys have not only bolstered national capability but have also enhanced the global credibility of India’s warning system.

·       India has also taken on a regional leadership role. As a designated Regional Tsunami Service Provider by UNESCO, India provides early warnings and advisories to 25 countries bordering the Indian Ocean. Its precise and timely forecasts during seismic events such as the 2012 Banda Aceh earthquake demonstrated the reliability and effectiveness of its early warning system.

·       In comparison to other global efforts, India’s TEWS stands alongside systems in countries like Japan—renowned for its highly advanced capabilities due to frequent seismic activity—and the United States, which monitors both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Indonesia and Chile focus their efforts on seismic hotspots, while Australia and New Zealand maintain vigilance over the Indian and Pacific Ocean regions. Within this global context, India has emerged as a key contributor to international disaster preparedness.

Challenges Facing India’s Tsunami Preparedness

·       Despite these accomplishments, India’s tsunami readiness faces emerging challenges. One concern lies in new potential tsunami sources, such as the Makran subduction zone and lesser-known plate tail realignments, which remain under-researched. Additionally, tsunamis triggered by non-seismic causes—such as landslides, meteorite strikes, or underwater nuclear tests—pose risks that current systems may not adequately detect.

·       There is also underutilisation of natural precursors, such as sudden ocean withdrawal, unusual animal behavior, or distinct sounds and smells that have historically served as early indicators in local communities. Bridging this gap requires integrating scientific tools with indigenous knowledge systems.

·       Furthermore, public awareness remains a weak link in India’s preparedness strategy. Although alerts can be issued promptly, gaps in last-mile connectivity, insufficient community drills, and limited citizen participation hinder effective on-ground responses. The added threat of climate change, particularly rising sea levels and increased coastal vulnerabilities, compounds the need for integrating disaster preparedness with long-term climate adaptation strategies.

Strategies for Strengthening India’s Tsunami Preparedness

·       To address these complex challenges, India must deepen its investment in research and innovation. Focused studies on non-seismic triggers and the development of AI-driven predictive models can improve detection and forecasting accuracy. Enhancing public engagement through nationwide education campaigns, community-based monitoring networks, and frequent evacuation drills will build resilience at the grassroots level.

·       On the international front, India should expand its role in collaborative initiatives, data-sharing networks, and multilateral workshops that facilitate the exchange of best practices. Technologically, the deployment of additional DART buoys, tide gauges, and integration of machine learning into real-time data analysis are essential next steps.

·       Simultaneously, coastal resilience must be prioritised by reinforcing infrastructure, enforcing zoning regulations, and incorporating climate change projections into planning frameworks. Effective governance will be critical—regular mock drills must be mandated, sustained funding must be ensured, and institutional accountability must be maintained to keep the system responsive and credible.

Conclusion

·       India’s Tsunami Early Warning System is a testament to the nation’s commitment to regional security and humanitarian leadership. In the two decades since the 2004 disaster, India has transformed from a vulnerable recipient of global aid into a proactive global leader in disaster preparedness. However, emerging threats demand continuous improvement. By aligning technology, community participation, international collaboration, and climate resilience, India can not only protect its own coastal regions but also serve as a model for others in the global South.

·       The path forward lies in preserving this momentum and enhancing it with innovation, awareness, and coordinated governance. In doing so, India can solidify its status as a global leader in tsunami preparedness and disaster risk reduction.