Kulhudhuffushi City is set to become the first community in the Maldives to receive the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, UNESCO’s “Tsunami Ready” certificate.
In preparation for the certification, disaster preparedness measures are being strengthened across the city to improve emergency response. As part of these efforts, disaster response charts, evacuation routes and safe area information have been placed in various locations.
Additionally, public buildings, including mosques and schools, have been designated as shelters during disasters. A warning system using mosque loudspeakers has been established to quickly alert residents during emergencies.
The initiative aims to create a disaster-aware and prepared community. UNESCO’s “Tsunami Ready” certification recognises communities that meet international disaster preparedness criteria.
Once completed, Kulhudhuffushi will serve as a model for disaster prevention efforts and encourage similar systems elsewhere.
The National Disaster Management Authority aims to achieve President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s 2030 goal of making all islands in the Maldives tsunami-ready under the Resilient Maldives initiative.