Gwadar, Pakistan – On an ordinary morning, the classrooms of two schools in Gwadar buzzed with the usual chatter of young students. But today was different. A loud siren pierced the air, signaling the start of a crucial exercise—one that could one day save their lives.
In observance of World Tsunami Awareness Day, UNESCO, in collaboration with the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Balochistan, Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), NED University of Engineering and Technology, Gwadar Local Government, and the Rural Community Development Council (RCDC), organized a tsunami evacuation drill designed specifically for young students. The goal? To teach them how to respond swiftly and effectively in the event of a tsunami.
The drill involved two schools: Government Girls High School Gwadar and Government Boys High School Gwadar Jadeed Gwadar, with 180 girls and more than 150 boys participating in the activity. For the children, many of whom live in coastal communities vulnerable to natural disasters, the drill was both an exciting activity and an eye-opening experience. “I learned how to run to higher ground and help my friends,” said eight-year-old Ayesha, gripping her backpack tightly as she followed her teacher’s instructions. “Now, I know what to do if there’s a tsunami.”
Pakistan’s coastline is particularly vulnerable to tsunamis due to the Makran Subduction Zone in the Arabian Sea. The 1945 Makran tsunami was the second biggest event of its kind after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, causing significant destruction along the coastal areas. Given the potential for fast-onset tsunamis, initiatives like these drills play a critical role in ensuring the safety of coastal communities.
This initiative was part of a broader effort under the UNESCO-IOC’s UNESCAP-funded project, Enhancing Tsunami Early Warning Capabilities in the North-West Indian Ocean Region through Regional Cooperation – Phase 2C. Alongside the Workshop for World Tsunami Awareness Day 2024 led by PDMA Balochistan, the drill focused on improving preparedness and strengthening early warning systems across the country.
As officials observed the drill, they saw firsthand the importance of educating youth about disaster readiness. “These children are the future, and by empowering them with knowledge and training, we’re creating safer communities,” said a representative from PDMA Balochistan.
The drill also marked a step toward achieving the UNESCO-IOC’s Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme (TRRP), an international initiative that helps coastal communities reduce tsunami risks. “Tsunamis are rare, but when they strike, they can be catastrophic,” explained a UNESCO official. “By preparing now, we ensure that if the time comes, these children and their families know exactly what to do.”
For the students of Gwadar, the drill was more than just a routine exercise—it was a lesson in survival, resilience, and community. And as they raced toward safety, their small footsteps symbolized a giant leap toward a more prepared future.
