The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Ministry of Cities, Local Government and Public Works have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to implement the Tsunami Ready Programme.

The agreement was signed at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Cities on Monday. Permanent Secretary Moomina Waheed signed on behalf of the Ministry, while NDMA Chief Executive Hisan Hassan signed on behalf of the Authority.

The Ministry of Cities said the MoU aims to strengthen cooperation between the two institutions in implementing the UNESCO-IOC Tsunami Ready Programme, which focuses on improving tsunami preparedness and community resilience.

The agreement follows discussions held between the Ministry and NDMA on 10 December last year, aimed at further strengthening tsunami readiness efforts across the country.

Under the MoU, the Ministry will support the organisation of workshops and the development of disaster management plans for cities, islands and atolls. Assistance will also be provided for the formation and training of community-based emergency response teams.

The Ministry said both institutions will appoint focal points to enhance coordination under the agreement, noting that this is expected to accelerate disaster prevention efforts and further strengthen institutional cooperation.