Tsunami Warning Framework

The end-to-end tsunami early warning and mitigation system consists of Risk Assessment & Reduction, Detection, Warning & Dissemination, and Awareness & Response.

Regional tsunami warning systems operating within different ocean basins are the building blocks of the end-to-end tsunami warning and mitigation system, coordinated by IOC-UNESCO as a global “system of systems”.

The service framework within each regional tsunami warning system ideally is comprised of National Tsunami Warning Centres (NTWCs) / Tsunami Warning Focal Points (TWFPs) in each Member State receiving tsunami forecast information from one or more Tsunami Service Providers (TSPs).

The TSPs operate 24x7 to rapidly detect large earthquakes using real-time seismic networks, assess tsunamigenic potential, monitor tsunami waves using real-time sea- level networks and distribute agreed-upon products to NTWCs/TWFPs operating within the ocean basin or sea.

Ultimately it is the responsibility of mandated national organisations operating within the legal framework of the sovereign nation in which they reside and serve, to provide alerts to their citizens and communities. These alerts are based either on their own analysis of the situation, on the forecast information received from Tsunami Service Providers, or on a combination of both.