Governments in the Asia-Pacific region are gearing up for coordinated tsunami mock drills slated for October 15 and November 5. The purpose: to enhance tsunami preparedness, evaluate response protocols, and bolster cross-border coordination among coastal nations.

The November 5 exercise aligns with World Tsunami Awareness Day, a UN-designated observance intended to raise public understanding of tsunami risk and the need for early warning systems. On this day, many nations participate in live simulations and drills to test their emergency alerts, evacuation routes, and communication chains. 

The October 15 drill is part of a broader push to institutionalize regular disaster simulations outside of global awareness days. Such exercises help authorities identify gaps in their preparedness infrastructure - from warning dissemination to ground response.

Experts say that mock drills don’t just test technical systems; they engage local communities, emergency services, and media in real-time scenarios, helping embed a culture of readiness. As climate change and sea-level rise elevate coastal risks, sustained drills and regional cooperation become indispensable.

A strong, collective response today could translate to lives saved tomorrow.