Caribbean States Strengthen Tsunami Preparedness and Early Warning Systems

Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.

The nineteenth session of the Intergovernmental Coordination Group (ICG) for the Tsunami and Other Coastal Hazards Warning System for the Caribbean and Adjacent Regions brought together over 60 participants from 26 Member States and Territories, along with key regional and international partners, to review progress and strengthen tsunami preparedness capacities.

The session included organizations such as the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (IOTWMS), and the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre (SRC). Participants exchanged experiences and set priorities for improving early warning systems and coordination across the Caribbean region.

The outcomes of the Second Caribbean Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme Summit, held in Curaçao prior to the session, were welcomed. This summit included representatives from 30 Member States and Territories and emphasized continued improvement in community resilience, including the integration of social considerations for persons with disabilities, youth, elderly, women, men, and migrants.

The session also recognized the successful conduct of CARIBE WAVE 26, a regional tsunami preparedness exercise that involved over 619,000 participants from 45 countries and territories. Member States were encouraged to maintain this engagement and actively participate in the upcoming exercise, CARIBE WAVE 27, scheduled for March 11, 2027.

A significant milestone discussed was the advancement of the Central America Tsunami Advisory Center (CATAC). Member States recommended that CATAC begin full operational services in September 2026 to strengthen regional tsunami early warning capacities and ensure timely alert dissemination.

The meeting concluded with thanks to the Government of Curaçao, Kingdom of the Netherlands, for hosting the event, and reaffirmed Member States' commitment to enhancing resilience to tsunamis and coastal hazards in the Caribbean and adjacent regions.