The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, strengthens public safety through better preparedness with NEAMWave26 tsunami exercise

This exercise will take place from 3 to 24 March 2026, bringing together scientific institutions, national authorities and civil protection partners to strengthen early warning systems and emergency response capacities.  

NEAMWave26 offers countries the opportunity to test end-to-end tsunami procedures in a safe, controlled setting. It is also an opportunity to test the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism  through the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) of the European Commission. By simulating real world conditions, the exercise helps ensure that when a tsunami threat occurs, alerts reach the public quickly and emergency actions can be taken without delay.

Protecting the public through better preparedness  

Tsunamis are rare but high impact events that can affect millions of people across coastal regions. NEAMWave26 supports national and local authorities in practicing how warnings are issued, how emergency plans are activated, and how different agencies coordinate during rapidly changing situations. These efforts contribute directly to public safety: better systems and clearer procedures mean faster warnings, fewer uncertainties, and stronger protection for coastal communities. The exercise also supports the wider goal of enhancing community resilience and advancing progress toward UNESCO’s “ Tsunami Ready ” recognition. Communities involved in the EU DG ECHO-funded CoastWAVE 2.0 project across seven countries, together with other communities already recognized as Tsunami Ready, are expected to participate in the NEAMWave26 exercise. 

Exercise structure and scenarios  

The 2026 edition will feature five scenarios inspired by historical tsunamigenic earthquakes from across the NEAM region, allowing participating countries to rehearse responses adapted to their specific risk environments: 

• 3 March – Cyprian Arc: A scenario based on the 1222 earthquake southwest of Cyprus, developed by the National Observatory of Athens (NOA).
• 11 March – Ionian Sea: INGV (Italy) and NOA (Greece) will simulate conditions similar to the 1867 Peloponnesus earthquake.
• 12 March – Ligurian Sea: CENALT (France) and INGV (Italy) will lead a scenario inspired by the 1887 earthquake affecting France and Italy.
• 13 March – Black Sea: KOERI (Türkiye) will run a scenario based on a major historical seismic event in the region.
• 24 March – Northeast Atlantic: IPMA (Portugal) and CENALT (France) will simulate the tsunami generated by the 1755 Lisbon earthquake.  

The concluding scenario on 24 ^th March will test the international assistance mechanism. The NEAMWave26 Exercise Manual provides detailed information on each scenario, including timelines, expected actions, and evaluation guidelines.

Participation and national preparations  

Member States are invited to register through the NEAMWave26 online platform . In advance of the exercise, countries are encouraged to update national contact points - such as Tsunami National Contacts (TNCs) and Tsunami Warning Focal Points (TWFPs) - review national Standard Operating Procedures, and coordinate with civil protection and community level partners. These preparations help ensure that the exercise reflects real   world conditions and supports ongoing improvements in national readiness.  

Building on the experience of NEAMWave23

The NEAMWave23 exercise, which took place on 6–7 November 2023, highlighted the importance of coordinated regional action. Held in conjunction with World Tsunami Awareness Day, it engaged national warning centres, scientific institutions and civil protection agencies across the region. It also supported communities progressing toward UNESCO’s Tsunami Ready recognition, an international standard designed to strengthen local preparedness and reduce loss of life. NEAMWave26 expands on these lessons with an extended exercise window and updated guidance for participating institutions.  

Expected outcomes

Through NEAMWave26, countries will be able to: 

• Test and validate national tsunami warning dissemination procedures
• Strengthen coordination between scientific, governmental and emergency actors
• Identify gaps in communication and operational procedures
• Raise public awareness and improve local preparedness
• Contribute to long term coastal resilience across the NEAM region Test international assistance mechanisms
• Meet the Tsunami Ready requirement for regular community level exercises  

Ultimately, NEAMWave26 supports a shared regional commitment to safeguarding lives and reducing disaster risk. By practicing together and learning from each scenario, countries can ensure that when a tsunami warning is issued, communities receive timely, accurate information and are better equipped to take lifesaving action.