UNESCO‑IOC is convening a technical capacity‑building programme to strengthen tsunami hazard assessment capabilities across the Indian Ocean. As part of the UNESCAP Project Phase 3 and the FUST‑funded initiative in the Western Indian Ocean, the training focuses on developing national expertise in Tsunami Inundation Modelling and Mapping (TIMM) for Madagascar, Maldives, Seychelles and Sri Lanka.

The programme responds to regional priorities identified after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the growing risk posed by the Makran Subduction Zone, where a major earthquake could generate near‑field tsunamis with arrival times under 20 minutes. Through hands‑on, on‑the‑job training delivered by INCOIS specialists, participants will learn to process high‑resolution bathymetry and topography, generate tsunami scenarios, run numerical simulations, and produce hazard maps for pilot communities.

The training directly supports implementation of the UNESCO Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme, enabling countries to strengthen end‑to‑end early warning systems, improve evacuation planning, and harmonize technical methodologies across the Indian Ocean region. It is jointly coordinated by UNESCO‑IOC/IOTWMS, with UNESCO Jakarta managing travel and contracting arrangements, and INCOIS hosting the event and providing modelling tools and expert guidance.

Participating countries and number of trainees
Two experts each from Madagascar, Maldives, Seychelles and Sri Lanka.

Participant requirements
High‑resolution bathymetry and topography for pilot sites, shoreline/land‑use data, geodetic reference information, and detailed local context (critical infrastructure, demographics, landmarks).

Technical requirements
Laptop specifications (16 GB RAM, i5/i7 processor, 50 GB free storage) and GIS software (QGIS/ArcGIS).