IOTWMS Communication Test

MAURITIUS METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES

30^th IOTWMS Communication Test

Background

 

Tsunamis do not happen often, but when they do, they can affect entire coastlines, and sometimes even cross whole oceans. The devastating earthquake and tsunami of 26 December 2004 in Indonesia showed the tragic consequences of not having an effective tsunami warning system. The event caused severe damage and casualties across much of the Indian Ocean, reaching as far as South Africa.

 

Following this disaster, the UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) set up the Intergovernmental Coordination Group for the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (ICG/IOTWMS). This group coordinates a network of National Tsunami Warning Centres (NTWCs) across the Indian Ocean.

 

Today, this system operates as a coordinated network. Each NTWC in member countries issues tsunami warnings to its population, based on information provided by three Tsunami Service Providers (TSPs) namely Australia, India and Indonesia. The effectiveness of this regional warning system has been tested through large-scale Indian Ocean tsunami exercises, known as IOWave exercises and the Communication tests are carried out during IOTWMS.

 

In the Republic of Mauritius, the Mauritius Meteorological Services (MMS) is the designated National Tsunami Warning Centre. Mauritius has taken part in all the IOTWMS exercises since 2011.

 

IOTWMS

Communication Tests are carried out to test the communication channels between the Tsunami Service Providers-TSP's and the National Tsunami Warning Centres-NTWC. The exercise is meant to identify any shortcomings to be able to bring necessary actions in case of a real event. It is carried at least once a year and normally in June and December.
This year, the exercise will take place on Wednesday, 10 June 2026.

 

The public will not be involved in the exercise.