Summary

Through Resolution XXIV-14, the IOC Assembly at its 24th session (2007) decided on the establishment of a Working Group on Tsunamis and Other Hazards Related to Sea-Level Warning and Mitigation Systems (TOWS-WG). The group is tasked primarily to advise the IOC Governing Bodies on coordinated development and implementation activities of warning and mitigation systems for tsunamis and other hazards related to sea level of common priority to all Intergovernmental Coordination Groups of Regional Tsunami Warning and Mitigation Systems.

By its Decision A-33/3.4.1 on Warning and Mitigation Systems for Ocean Hazards, the IOC Assembly in July 2026 reaffirmed the need for continued inter-ICG coordination through TOWS-WG and extended the tenure of the TOWS-WG and its Task Teams on: (i) Disaster Management & Preparedness (TTDMP), and (ii) Tsunami Watch Operations (TTTWO). Both task teams will meet prior to TOWS-WG-XIX on 4-6 March 2026 and report to it on 10 March. Finally, the TOWS-WG will report to the next IOC Executive Council in June 2026. Agendas for the two Task Team meetings will be sent out separately to Task Team members.