Hermosa

In November 2022, Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica, received recognition as Tsunami Ready under the Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme being developed by Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). As part of the national efforts to improve an end-to-end tsunami early warning system, the Hermosa beach community fulfilled the Programme’s guidelines; thus, empowering its vulnerable coastal communities to take effective action in the event of a potential tsunami and save lives. Outputs included the creation of an inundation and evacuation maps for the community, as well as the installation of signage for evacuation routes, assembly points and tsunami hazard zones. The SINAMOT and the CNE also undertook extensive public education, conducted drills, and formulated an emergency operations plan (EOP). The school, hotels, businesses, church, and the communities’ organizations also actively participated in a number of activities during the implementation process. The Tsunami Ready effort was part of the project, Tsunami Evacuation Maps, a joint project of the SINAMOT program of the National University (UNA) and the National Commission for Risk Prevention and Emergency Response (CNE). It was sponsored by UNA, CCE and CNE. The project was supported by UNESCO/IOC and ITIC. The Tsunami Ready Programme incorporates risk knowledge assessment, preparedness actions and response planning with recognition being granted upon the satisfactory completion of a verification process confirming fulfilment of the guidelines.

Hermosa Documents