Oman Launches Nationwide Awareness Campaign on Climate and Tsunami Risks to Strengthen Public Preparedness

Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan, South Al Sharqiyah | April 2025

In a proactive move to safeguard communities and reinforce disaster preparedness, the Sultanate of Oman has officially launched a national awareness campaign focused on the dangers of climatic disturbances and tsunami risks. The campaign, themed “Towards Sustainable Awareness and Comprehensive National Readiness,” began in the South Al Sharqiyah Governorate and was inaugurated under the patronage of His Excellency Mohammed bin Ali Akkak, Wali of Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan.

Spanning four days, the campaign aims to engage communities across the region through a variety of educational, participatory, and practical activities, with a strong focus on building resilience at the local level. As climate-related hazards and coastal vulnerabilities become increasingly significant, the initiative reflects the Sultanate’s commitment to a long-term national strategy centered on safety, awareness, and sustainable development.

Context and Strategic Vision

The campaign comes at a time when global climate patterns are contributing to increased incidences of extreme weather events, including tropical storms, flash floods, and potential tsunami activity. Oman, with its extensive coastline along the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman, is particularly vulnerable to such phenomena. In recent decades, the country has experienced several impactful cyclones and weather anomalies, highlighting the urgent need for greater preparedness and early warning systems.

By launching this awareness initiative, Oman aligns with international best practices in disaster risk reduction and adheres to the principles of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, which emphasizes understanding risk, strengthening governance, investing in resilience, and enhancing disaster response.

Campaign Objectives

The campaign has been designed with a multi-dimensional set of goals, including:

• Raising Awareness: Informing the public—especially those living in coastal areas—about the risks of climatic disturbances and tsunami activity, as well as the protective actions they can take.
• Building a Prepared Community: Encouraging individuals, families, and institutions to develop emergency response plans and adopt a culture of safety and readiness.
• Strengthening Institutional Coordination: Ensuring collaboration between various government entities to streamline preparedness and response mechanisms at both national and local levels.
• Reducing Risk and Impact: Empowering communities with practical knowledge and early warning tools to reduce potential human and material losses during natural disasters.

Key Organizing and Supporting Entities

The campaign is the result of a concerted effort by multiple national bodies, reflecting a whole-of-government approach. These include:

• The Civil Aviation Authority (through the National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Center), which plays a leading role in monitoring atmospheric and seismic activity.
• The National Committee for Emergency Management, tasked with coordinating the response across various sectors and maintaining readiness at all administrative levels.
• The Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority, which provides on-ground emergency services and supports rapid response operations.
• The Ministry of Information, responsible for public communication, awareness campaigns, and dissemination of official alerts and educational content.
• The Ministry of Education, which ensures that risk education is integrated into school programs and that youth are included in preparedness efforts.

Activities and Community Engagement

The campaign includes a comprehensive suite of activities designed to reach various segments of society:

• Educational Workshops and Seminars: Covering key topics such as evacuation protocols, emergency kits, early warning signals, and first response actions during extreme weather or tsunami alerts.
• Simulated Drills and Scenarios: Demonstrating how to act during an emergency, including mock evacuation exercises and response coordination among emergency services.
• Interactive Exhibits and Visual Demonstrations: Making technical information more accessible through visuals that explain the science behind weather phenomena and tsunamis.
• Public Panels and Expert Dialogues: Offering opportunities for residents to engage directly with experts, ask questions, and receive guidance on personal and community preparedness.
• Media and Outreach Campaigns: Leveraging TV, radio, social media, and print to disseminate safety messages and real-time information throughout the duration of the campaign.

Broader National Impact and Long-Term Outlook

This initiative is not limited to awareness alone—it forms part of a long-term national strategy to mainstream disaster preparedness into everyday life and infrastructure planning. Omani authorities are working toward enhancing the resilience of buildings, schools, and public services to withstand climatic and seismic shocks.

Additionally, public input collected during the campaign is expected to inform future policy development, including updates to national emergency response frameworks and educational curriculum enhancements.

The campaign is also expected to serve as a model for future regional preparedness efforts, with plans to replicate similar programs across other governorates, particularly those with high exposure to natural hazards.

A Nation Ready for Tomorrow

By fostering a culture of awareness, readiness, and collective responsibility, Oman is taking meaningful steps to mitigate the risks posed by climate-induced and geological events. The national campaign in South Al Sharqiyah is a significant milestone in this ongoing journey—highlighting the importance of proactive governance, informed communities, and strategic partnerships in building a safer and more resilient nation.