Disaster was man-made

-Dr. Nishan Sakalasooriya -2017-06-07

In a discussion with Dr. Nishan Sakalasooriya, Senior
Lecturer in Geography and Development Studies attached
to the Department of Geography, Faculty of Social
Sciences, University of Kelaniya, special emphasis was
made to assess the situation caused by the recent
weather calamity, its causes and the disaster management
that was undertaken by the authorities. The excerpts:

Q Several weeks ago, we experienced severe drought and

unbearable heat in our country. This was followed by incessant
rains. Earlier when experiencing this type of weather pattern, we
considered it was a normal cycle that a dry season followed by a
wet season. What is the cause for the sudden changes that we
experience now?
Change of weather is a usual phenomenon in world history and in
our history as well. The way people living in Anuradhapura,
Kalawewa and the suburban areas braved the severe dry weather
at one time is well described in novels like Baddegama. It is
difficult to rule out that this happens due to global warming. We
live in a tropical country. As such, there are sudden floods and
prolonged drought. There could be some influence through global
warming and other weather types. But it is not solely dependent
on these reasons.
Incorrect to say we would face disaster at any time. There
is a definite period for the onset of rains
Q Floods are natural, but what is the real reason for such a
devastation resulting from just three days of torrent?
On the one hand, the shortcomings and weaknesses in the
development activities in providing facilities for living in a tropical
climatic country. Secondly, our people being ignorant of the
places where they live, are reasons for this disaster. However they
cannot be blamed. If they had adequate knowledge about
building houses to suit the environment, preparation of the
ground and other information, and if the authorities responsible in
providing development and infrastructure facilities had acted
diligently, the disaster that followed could have been mitigated,
even if they could not stop
the floods.
QWhat are the shortcomings that you perceive in development
activities under tropical climatic conditions?

There are 103 rivers flowing from the hill country into the sea as
shown in the network of distribution of water resources. The rivers
face two monsoonal weather patterns. Presently we are
experiencing the south west monsoon. In India this is identified as
the fall of the monsoon which is a regular feature there. However
this type of an onset of the monsoon takes place in our country
rarely. We experienced similar rainfall in 2003, 2013 and 2016.
The areas that are vulnerable for floods remain more or less
same. But when we consider the developmental behaviour during
these periods, the way we built our houses, bridges, culverts and
road networks; doubts arise as to whether we evaluated the fact
that we are living in a tropical climatic zone. Are our countrys
climatic conditions considered in development strategies? Have
they evaluated the physical features and the biological
environment? In the olden days temples, chaithyas and villages
were built with a great bearing of the environment and with
capability to be sustained when faced with danger.
Power hungry politicians, have become the tormentors of
the public.
Q It is accepted that we cannot stop natural disasters, but
shouldnt we be aware that we would face natural disasters at any
given moment?

It is incorrect to say we would face disaster at any time. There is a

definite period for the onset of rains. In the months of May in
2003, 2013, 2016 and 2017 we experienced floods. The spate in
rivers do not take place in January, August or September. There is
a significant change that takes place in the atmosphere when the
north east monsoon changes to the south west monsoon. It is
similar to 180 degree turn, which results in drastic changes in the
upper and the lower atmosphere. The weather behaviour begins
gently but towards the end it turns very violent. This activity leads
to the creation of monsoons and the symptoms could be observed
in advance.
In our country where preparedness for elections, for
thieving, and to assault university students are well
established, being prepared to face natural disasters is
unheard of
QDoesnt this require preparedness in advance?

As it could be known in time, preparedness in advance is possible.

In our country preparedness for elections, robbing and to assault
the protesting university students are well scheduled. But
preparing to face natural disasters is unheard of. Pre-disaster
management, the management at the disaster level and post
disaster management are the three categories of disaster
management. It is only through pre-disaster management that we
could save everything from being destroyed. After the disaster
struck, it would be very difficult to save lives. It is a prime
requirement under the pre-disaster management - not to engage
in faulty development activities. The calamities which we
witnessed were the result of improper methods adopted during
development. A river overflowing its banks was not something
that is unheard of, and it is not something that happens suddenly.
Since ancient times, rivers had overflown and records indicate
these are natural phenomenon. Monitoring of flood levels are
considered imperative before constructing human habitats.
Incorrect to say we would face disaster at any time. There
is a definite period for the onset of rains
Q Do you mean to say such habitats would have its influence in
preventing future calamities?

In our country human settlements could be established in any

part of the island, but it does not mean that they are suitable for
permanent residence. Lands that are good during the dry season
may turn adverse during rainy season. An annual appraisal about
its suitability for both periods should be carried out for building
housing schemes, factories, agriculture and in town planning. The

government should select these

lands for the people, and the procedure should be included in the
legal framework. Overall, the lack of education and awareness in
the subject, government policies and issues prevalent in state
institutions are directly responsible for the calamities that occur.
Climatic changes that could be attributed to the disaster is only a
negligible percentage.

Q Disaster victims are usually asked to evacuate the danger

zones in advance, but most of them ignore warnings. What is the
solution in such circumstances?

It could be said that from the peoples perspective, that it was a

calamity invited by them if they were not prepared. Despite the
Disaster Management Centre (DMC) cautioning about a flood
situation ahead, people did not evacuate, as they had no trust in
the information and lacked common sense to understand a
scientific announcement. Our people have their own temporal
instincts. Their thought would have been what do you gain from
saving yourself and losing everything that you earned? Therefore
it is vital in disaster management to give an assurance - not only
for human health and lives but also for their properties as well.
 Change in weather influenced by global warming
Prolonged drought, flash floods are normal in tropical
countries
People ignore DMC warning invite disaster
Disasters could have been averted if authorities acted
diligently
DMC has limited resources; 50 scientists, 350 cadres
We had floods in the months of May in 2003, 2013,
2016 and 2017
Monitoring flood levels important when constructing
human habitat.
Preparing to face natural disasters in SL is unheard of
Pre-disaster management saves lives, property
Facilities provided to DMC, NBRO inadequate

Q Allegations were levelled against the Meteorological

Department for not being accurate in their forecasts and that this
led to the increase in loss of lives and property...

The DMC is limited by its human resources, rules and regulations

and physical resources, and they could act only within its
capacity. Their total strength of staff comprises around 350
cadres. There are only 50 scientists, including those (25) who
represent the 25 districts. An institution with this type of capacity
has limitations in its operations. Taking this fact into
consideration, the people should adopt a more flexible attitude
towards the officers as it is the duty of everyone to prevent
disasters. Due to these issues, we established disaster
committees everywhere with emergency plans to meet any
contingencies. In Sri Lanka, we have got used to a system to
adopt whatever that we think that is best suited in an unforeseen
situation. Therefore it is important that the government be
equipped with a pre-planned activity programme and raise
awareness among people, so that they would be better equipped
to face any grave situation.

QWere there any steps that could have been taken in such
events, which would have saved people
from danger?

Definitely there were. The Met Department had issued a warnings.

Due to the prevailing hot weather, the ground became dried, with
the upper layer of soil and the fossilized rock cracked and
separated from each other. Through these cracks water enters the
fossilized rock. The collection of water in the upper soil makes it
heavy and makes it slippery and landslides occur in this situation.
This position is well-known even among the students, but no one
anticipated this grave situation. The government also acted
erroneously. The facilities provided for the DMC and the National
Building and Research Organisation (NBRO) are very minimal.
Established under Act No. 13 of 2005, the DMC the NBRO have
now completed 12 years, but yet they are unable to forecast

firmly that such an area is vulnerable.

In 2014, mapping of landslide-prone areas was done but
unfortunately this was not included in the Grama Niladhari
divisions in order to indicate the areas that are at risk. In making
these forecasts, the districts of Nuwara Eliya, Ratnapura and
Kegalle are declared as prone to landslides. But where would the
people of all these districts go for safety? Instead of paying
compensation to the dead after a calamity, the funds could have
been used to save the environment sector. During the past, we
heard so much about the drought and never got ready for the
oncoming rains.

Q Landslides and other natural calamities in Sri Lanka mainly

occur in certain regions. What steps could be taken to mitigate
the consequences after identifying these vulnerable areas?

We got used to a lifestyle of having our own houses in our own

lands. This concept led to people living in a scattered form. This
type of human habitation appears to be historically favourable but
unsuitable for the present. Instead, I propose clusters of villages
and towns. This method is the best alternative. Countries which
are more susceptible to natural disasters such as Japan and the
USA have overcome these disasters. Despite earthquakes and ice,
they have identified the changes in nature through education,
technology and inventions. Especially they have included these in
their education and school curricula.

QArent there institutions to deal with unauthorized constructions?

And could you enlighten us whether there are any legal avenues
existent for prosecution?

There are authorities with adequate powers. On the one hand,

fines and taxes are imposed, and on the other hand, there is
rampant corruption set within a highly politicized state machinery.
This is a situation forced upon the people by the power hungry
politicians. They have become the tormentors of the public.

QDo you think that Sri Lanka can implement a long-term plan to
overcome these tragedies?
There are two possible ways. Learning from all these calamities,
finding a solution to the national issue, finding a scientific way for
the development of road networks, garbage disposal etc. Our
country could match countries like Australia, Sweden or Norway,
or in the alternative, it could become another Ethiopia. All this
depends on the action and decisions made by those in power
Posted by Thavam