Working Group on Tsunamis and Other Hazards Related to Sea-Level Warning and Mitigation Systems

To advise the IOC governing bodies on coordinated development of warning and mitigation system for tsunamis and other hazards related to sea level that are of common interest to all the ICGs, the IOC Assembly at it 24th Session (Resolution XXIV-14) established a Working Group on Tsunamis and Other Hazards Related to Sea-Level Warning and Mitigation Systems (TOWS-WG).

Working Group on Tsunamis and Other Hazards Related to Sea-Level Warning and Mitigation Systems (TOWS-WG)

Chair: Dr Srinivasa Kumar Tummala

IOC Technical Secretary: Head of the Tsunami Resilience Section

Terms of Reference

The TOWS-WG will:

(a) Advise on co-ordinated development and implementation activities on warning and mitigation systems for tsunamis and other hazards related to sea level of common priority to all ICG/TWSs, with special emphasis on:

(i) Harmonization and standardization of relevant observation, data management and communication, forecast and warning practices

(ii) Development of synergies in capacity-building and outreach activities

(iii) Reinforcement of intergovernmental, international and national capabilities on hazard knowledge, vulnerability, and impact assessment

(iv) Effective coordination with all related subsidiary bodies, experts groups and partner organizations with relevant mandates.

(b) Report to the IOC Executive Council and Assembly on these common activities and propose new actions, as required.
Advise the IOC Executive Council and Assembly regarding:

(i) Instructions to the relevant subsidiary bodies responsible for coordinating the implementation of TOWS-WG actions

(ii) Any liaison or consultation required with relevant international and intergovernmental stakeholders in implementing TOWS-WG actions not under the unique mandate of IOC. 

The TOWS-WG shall review and provide guidance on establishing the framework mechanism for a comprehensive, sustained and integrated end-to-end global system covering tsunami and other hazards related to sea level, exploiting existing IOC mechanisms, capacities and capabilities, and facilitating priority projects and programmes, in alignment with the IOC Strategic Plan and IOC Executive Council decisions and in coordination with relevant stakeholders.

Membership

The membership of the TOWS-WG will be constituted by:

(a) The Chairpersons of the four ICG-TWSs, and of I-GOOS, JCOMM, IODE

(b) Three Members of the IOC Executive Council, nominated by the Chairperson, taking into account geographical distribution

(c) High-level representatives invited from the key TOWS-WG stakeholders in disaster risk reduction outside IOC, including WMO and other ISDR System members, FDSN/GSN, and other relevant intergovernmental and international agencies

Appointed members of the Executive Council may be re-appointed for a second two-year term.

The TOWS-WG shall be chaired by one of the Vice-Chairpersons of IOC and co-chaired by one of the Chairpersons of an IOC Subsidiary Body, on the recommendation of the Chairperson of the Commission after consultations with the IOC Officers

The TOWS-WG shall meet once a year, prior to the IOC Executive Council or the Assembly.

The IOC Executive Secretary shall provide the secretariat for the TOWS-WG.