ChildrenChildren in the AlappadAlappad community located in the southwest coast of Kerala in south IndiaKerala were deeply affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunamiTsunami as the community locates in a coastal areaCoastal areas between the Arabian Sea and the T.S. Canal. The purpose of this study was to examine tsunami preparednessTsunami preparedness in nine schools in Alappad, 20 years after the fated disaster. This is with the objective of ensuring better tsunami preparednessTsunami preparedness in schools, to reduce loss of precious lives of childrenChildren, teachers, and staff in future disasters. Using participatory observation methods, including transect walks, resource mapping, and problem tree analysis, researchers engaged local stakeholders in identifying gaps and opportunities in disaster managementDisaster management. Findings indicate inadequate preparedness, low tsunami hazardHazards awareness, weak emergency plans, and poor communication systems. Challenges that need immediate attention are limited disaster preparednessDisaster preparedness training for school educators and inadequate temporary shelter centers. The study highlights the potential of child-centered approaches in risk communication and emphasizes the need for collaboration with local and national disaster managementDisaster management authorities to enhance resilienceResilience and sustainability.