The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO has agreed to support an Experts meeting on Lesser Antilles sources, to better understand the uncertainties associated with the Lesser Antilles Trench and the nearby volcanic activity. The purpose of the experts meeting is to identify and quantify tsunami sources both from tectonic and volcanic origin, and related hazards and risks to support holistic risk management for the Lesser Antilles (preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery). A very large tsunami associated with the Lesser Antilles Trench has the potential to cause widespread loss of life, damage and disruption to the region. Similarly, volcanic activity along the Lesser Antilles volcanic arc could potentially generate locally devastating tsunamis. The Lesser Antilles are made up of small islands with an increasing dependency on coastal-based tourism. Moreover, the islands’ population and infrastructure are concentrated on coastal low-lying areas. This meeting will aim to focus on the uncertainties of tsunami hazard of the Lesser Antilles and identify possible tsunami sources. The outcomes of the meeting can be employed on Lesser Antilles hazard and risk assessment studies.

no event notes available