August 5, 2026
Yap – On July 27, Colonia Town and the Yap State Municipalities of Dalipebinaw, Fanif, Gagil, Gilman, Kanifay, Maap, Rull, Rumung, Tamil, and Weloy were formally recognized as Tsunami Ready at a ceremony hosted by the Yap Weather Service Office and organized by the Yap Disaster Coordination Office. Dr. Laura Kong, Director of the International Tsunami Information Center, on behalf of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) presented the Tsunami Ready Recognition certificate to The Honorable Mr. Francis Itimai, Governor of Yap State. In addition to the Governor, DECEM Secretary Honorable Mr. Florian Yatilman, gave congratulatory remarks.
“Today’s recognition reflects the dedication, leadership, and commitment demonstrated by the Government of Yap State, the Federated States of Micronesia … Achieving Tsunami Ready recognition is not simply about meeting technical indicators; it is about protecting lives, preserving livelihoods, and ensuring that ommunities are prepared to act quickly and effectively when warnings are issued,” in remarks by the IOC delivered virtually by Juita Korovulavula of the IOC Tsunami Resilience Section.
Many agencies worked together over the past few years to conduct the tsunami hazard assessment, develop the evacuation map in consultation with communities, engage in tsunami awareness and outreach to schools and the public, and confirm their tsunami response plans through exercises. Table top and communications exercises by the Yap WSO and DCO, and involving national agencies, used tsunami threat messages from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center to simulate tsunami warning and public safety decision-making.
Established in 2022 by the IOC/UNESCO, Tsunami Ready is a voluntary, performance-based programme that empowers communities to prepare for the next tsunami. The 12 indicators covering hazard assessment, preparedness, and response represent the global standard for tsunami readiness.
National and local warning and emergency management agencies, government authorities, scientists, non-government organizations, civil society collaborate with the community to achieve the indicators required for recognition.
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