ITIC Visiting Scientists Program

Why is the ITIC visiting scientists program successful?

Under the guidance and funding of IOC, ITIC has a visiting scientist Program that trains invited scientists, particularly from developing countries, in the methods, procedures, and techniques used in the Tsunami Warning System. Additionally ITIC coordinates with such scientists on-going applied research, data collection and archiving, and provides training in tsunami disaster preparedness and in public education. These scientists are selected carefully from countries that have specific needs for improving their tsunami disaster program. Trained scientists returning to their countries are assigned follow up responsibiities for further training of colleagues and associates. Progress reports are prepared and objectives defined. Thus the program reaches many more people than what the funding allows.

In addition, the program assures coherence, continuity and uniformity of the ITWS methods and procedures. In addition it builds good will and results in very tangible benfits in disaster mitigation on a lerger scale because it opens avenues of communication and coordination, not previously available. Although only 50-60 scientists may have received such direct training through the program over the years, the results are far reaching in that hundreds more have been trained subsequently in different countries by the ITIC trained scientists.

Are Scientific Tsunami Workshops and Educational Seminars and Conferences held?

Scientific workshops, educational seminars and conferences are held every two or four years. Such workshops are very successful and cost-efficient as they are scheduled in conjuction with ICG/ITSU coordination meetings and conferences. Whenever possible these workshops and training seminars are collocated also with meetings and workshops of other organizations, such as IUGG, The Tsunami Society and the International Society for Disaster Mitigation, to ensure maximum participation and qualified instructors.

Are there any Educational Materials for Children and the General Public?

An illustrated children's book on the tsunami disaster has been prepared by ITIC and disseminated by UNESCO-IOC. Numerous other publications, brochures and pamphlets have been prepared. ICG/ITSU and ITIC have coordinated the preparation of textbooks for 2nd to 4th grade students as well as up to 6th grade students. Teaching with the help of these books have been implemented successfully in Chile, and many other countries.

Theeducational programs have also reached the parents of the students as well and have been very well received by many Pacific communities concerned with the tsunami risk.This effort is disaster preparedness at the grass-root level and has had far reaching effect in the communities, simply because of its introduction into the school system. There are plans to expand the program in many other Pacific countries. Similarly there are plans to prepare educational materials and methodological instructions for teachers.

The books for children and the different educational publications are on the Tsunami Warning System. They explain what causes tsunamis, how tsunamis travel and what happens when they reach the shore. The books and brochures explain tsunami safety rules and what people in coastal areas should do in times of emergency. Other workbooks about disasters have been prepared explaining earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, other natural hazards, and safety measures in reducing the effects of disasters.