Chapter 7 - Tsunami Early Warning Systems and Risk Mitigation

Abstract

This chapter provides an updated overview of the local, national, and regional tsunami early warning systems, either operational or prototype, that have been developed in the European–Mediterranean (EM) region particularly after 2004. Tsunami warning operations are supported by a variety of instrumental networks, algorithms, databases, communication technologies, and empirical tools. The most important regional system is the North East Atlantic and Mediterranean Tsunami Warning System which is based on a number of national tsunami warning centers and is coordinated by the ICG/NEAMTWS/IOC/UNESCO with the active collaboration of more than 30 country members. The activities of NEAMTWS are supported by the educational and training programs of NEAMTIC. Of special value is also the JRC (European Commission) Tsunami Programme, which supports building up infrastructures, algorithms, databases, and training activities in emergency procedures. Good examples of local systems are the ones developed for early warning in the near-field domain against landslide-generated tsunamis in Stromboli Island and against earthquake-generated tsunamis in Rhodes Island. More and more new emerging technologies appear, thus providing promises for the drastic improvement of the early warning services in the years to come. Of particular importance are also tsunami exercises, drills, communication tests, education and training activities, and other actions aiming to mitigate the tsunami risk in the EM region.