Recent Developments in Tsunami Preparedness in the Northeast Atlantic and Mediterranean Region: Challenges, Strengths, and Weaknesses

Tsunamis are among the most devastating and infrequent natural phenomena, capable of causing immense loss of life and property in coastal regions. While predicting the occurrence of tsunamis remains challenging, communities can take proactive steps to mitigate their impact. Local, national, and intergovernmental initiatives aim to provide a legal framework for strengthening community preparedness through a comprehensive approach that includes measures ranging from tsunami hazard and exposure assessments, generating evacuation maps, installing corresponding signage, and promoting education and capacity building of local stakeholders and population. It also involves the establishment of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure a timely and effective end-to-end tsunami warning communication chain. This study presents an overview of the recent significant progress in tsunami preparedness across countries bordering the Mediterranean and North East Atlantic coasts.