MUSCAT, Aug 26 - Oman will participate in the Indian Ocean Wave 18 on September 4, which is being organised by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC). The exercise, held every two years and attended by all countries bordering the Indian Ocean, will simulate a 9.0 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Iran, that will generate simulated tsunami waves travelling across the Indian Ocean basin towards the coast of the Sultanate in less than half an hour. The estimated height of the simulated wave will about 12 metres, flooding the beaches at 6 am on September 4. The exercise is held every two years and is attended by all countries bordering the Indian Ocean. It is activated by three countries — India, Indonesia and Australia.
The Sultanate has previously participated in this exercise to test its readiness with tsunami risks. A part of the Sawadi area in Barka in South Al Batinah will be evacuated in order to raise awareness of the risks of the tsunami and enhance the preparedness for these condition at the community level. The main objectives of the Indian Ocean Wave 18 are: To confirm the preparedness and readiness of the Sultanate to face the risks of tsunami; Assess and improve the effectiveness of the Indian Ocean tsunami warning and early warning system; Test communication and standard operating procedures; Strengthen emergency preparedness; Raise community awareness of tsunami risks and enhance preparedness; and Self-evacuation of villages from the dangers of the tsunami.
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