Tsunami Service Providers

Tsunami Information Centres

What is IOTIC

The International Oceanographic Commission Assembly (IOC), during its twenty-third Session (21-30 June 2005), formally established a framework for a global tsunami and other ocean-related hazards early warning system through its Resolution IOC-XIII-15. Four Intergovernmental Coordination Groups (ICGs) corresponding to the regions Pacific, Caribbean, Indian Ocean, and Mediterranean have been established to address particular regional needs.

For the Indian Ocean region, Jakarta Tsunami Information Centre (JTIC) was established as the information hub for the region on tsunami-related issues. The development of JTIC was funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

However, during the 8th session of the ICGs for the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System in Melbourne, Australia, (3-6 May 2011), the member states support the expansion of the JTIC role into a wider and regional based responsibility. The purpose of the expansion from JTIC to IOTIC is to support the common public in preventing, preparing and mitigating measures for tsunami across the Indian Ocean region.

IOTIC will continue to focus on three main roles:

  1. Information and Resources
    • Work closely with the ICG/IOTWS Secretariat to provide information to the Member State national system, scientists, engineers, administrators, and the general public throughout the Indian Ocean on decisions, programs, activities, tsunami data, and information.
    • Work with authorities and civil society organizations of the Member States to develop comprehensive awareness, preparedness, and education materials for coastal communities, schools, media, public in general, as well as national and local officials, and policymakers. All materials developed will be based on the needs and the local context (languages, design, etc.).
    • Work with ICG/IOTWS, ITIC, and experts to identify and recommend program enhancements on Regional Tsunami Watch Provider and to Member State national systems, as well as on warning guidance, warning chain, and risk assessment.
  2. Capacity Building
    • Work with ITIC to develop an International Tsunami Training Program (based on ITIC Training Programmes) specific for Indian Ocean TWS. IOTIC will organize these training programs for the Member States.
    • In cooperation with experts, continue to offer Member States programs and activities to strengthen their tsunami warning system and mitigation programs, among other the SOP for tsunami warning and emergency response.
    • Work with national and local authorities and civil society organizations to implement earthquake and tsunami preparedness assessment; school‐based disaster preparedness; and community‐based mitigation programs that will reduce tsunami impacts and save lives.
  3. Studies
    • Work with national universities, research agencies, and experts on preserving tsunami-related local and indigenous knowledge, past tsunami events, etc.
    • Work with ITIC on research needed to improve tsunami forecasting and the International Warning System.
    • Work with ITIC, in coordination with local authorities, to facilitate and participate in field investigations of the destructive tsunami (local and regional).

Located in the UNESCO Office Jakarta, IOTIC focuses on the information provided through internet so can be fully accessed globally by anyone.

The IOTIC website IS NOT A TSUNAMI WARNING WEBSITE.

It hosts tsunami-related information, materials, data, program, etc. developed by others in order to be accessible and publicly used.