UAE tests tsunami warning system

The UAE participated in a mock tsunami scenario last week to increase tsunami preparedness and evaluate response capabilities.

The National Centre of Meteorology ( NCM) represented the UAE, along with the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority ( NCEMA) during the Makran Trench trial on October 20. The purpose of this Indian Ocean- wide exercise was to increase overall readiness and response, and to improve coordination.

“The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and subsequent events in the Indian and Pacific Oceans have brought to the attention of the world the urgent need to be more prepared for such events. This important exercise will test the current procedures of the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation, Systemand help identify operational strengths and challenges in each country,” said Dr Abdulla Al Mandous, executive director at the NCM.

“Our goal is to ensure the timely and effective notification of tsunamis, to educate communities at risk about safety preparedness, and to improve our overall coordination. We will evaluate what works well, where improvements are needed, make necessary changes, and continue to practise,” Al Mandous said. During the exercise, the three Indian Ocean Tsunami Service Providers ( TSPs) of Australia, India and Indonesia gave simulated tsunami threat information to all National Tsunami Warning Centres in the Indian Ocean region.