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The Moving Finger by Lionel Wijesiri

Sri Lanka has a long history of natural hazards. Floods, droughts, landslides, coastal erosion and cyclones have had their impact in its past and recent history.

Government statistics show us the massive cost incurred in relief and rehabilitation of affected people. Yet, little has been achieved even up to now in terms of integration of natural disaster mitigation in national development efforts, especially in regional and urban development.

Way back in 1997, a grant agreement was signed between the Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre and Ministry of Urban Development, Housing and Construction, providing financial assistance to implement the project, "Creating Safer Communities: Sri Lanka Multi-Hazard Disaster Mitigation Project". The project was to be implemented in partnership between NBRO(National Building Research Organisation), UDA and CHPB (Centre for Housing Planning and Building) under a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding between the three institutions, managed by the ADPC under the broader Asian Programme.

The project was scheduled to be completed by early 2000.

The major project goal was to find ways and means of reducing natural disaster vulnerability of urban population, infrastructure, lifeline facilities and shelter in Sri Lanka.

Ratnapura MC area was selected as the project site as it was vulnerable to a number of hazards such as landslides, frequent flooding, soil erosion and land subsidence due to gem mining.

The project introduction said that it will use a methodology for identifying hazards and for selecting appropriate strategies to avoid or reduce hazard related losses. The project planned to assist municipal officials to develop improved tools and skills in development planning and management.

The project's activity elements included hazard and vulnerability mapping, risk analysis, strategic planning, policy and procedural changes, training and professional development, and networking. What happened to the report ? What were the recommendations? Have the strategies recommended been implemented? Are the public been made to aware and staff trained? These are questions worth to be asked. Disaster Mitigation is a new concept for our people. We should bear in mind that in Sri Lanka community participation as well as political patronage is essential for successful implementation of any formulated strategy.

Maryland Experience

In studying disaster mitigation programmes we could take few lessons from The State of Maryland, USA. The State of Maryland experienced several floods in 1996, two of which resulted in Presidential Disaster Declarations.

As a result of these extraordinary natural disasters, a Governor's Task Force on the Flooding was appointed. The Task Force was comprised of a cross-section of elected, appointed, and other officials and businesspersons. Its mission was to "review recent flooding events and develop recommendations to minimize or eliminate future flooding possibilities in that region". The workgroups examined the issues and recommendations presented through public meetings and historical data, and compiled their conclusions into action plans. The complete action plans were provided as sections of the main report. Significant issues and recommendations from the workgroups include:

(1) Purchase and remove all structures in the floodplains in accordance with willing sellers. Acquire properties to enable residents to voluntary relocated to other areas out of the floodplain.

(2) Identify and assist in funding flood proofing methods for public buildings or facilities and business owners when appropriate through a State grant or loan fund. Flood proofing should be cost-effective, be targeted toward protecting structures. Funds should be available throughout the State to encourage mitigation measures in all local jurisdictions.

(3) Immediately restore streambeds and affected infrastructures to their condition prior to flood events. Immediately remove debris from prior flood events from affected waterway.

(4) Where feasible, remove waterway blockages (e.g. old dikes, dam, trestles, etc.) to allow the free flow of flood waters.

(5) Work with Federal officials and the insurance industry to expedite payment of flood insurance claims.

(6) Provide comprehensive public information and education on river hydraulics and geomorphology, when and how to flood proof, functions and values of floodplains, and the National Flood Insurance Program.

Long-term plans

As a long-term strategy it was recommended that Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) be designed as the responsible agency for synchronizing all post-flood watershed restoration efforts in Maryland. These efforts includes: (1) ensuring that all emergency response actions are taken with due consideration of the environment, (2) providing technical and permitting assistance regarding waterway construction, storm water management, dam safety, wetlands, water supplies, and wastewater management as necessary, (3) assisting in the provision of funding support for water and wastewater facility repairs, (4) coordinating flood mitigation efforts, (5) managing the state floodplain management program.

As the costs of disasters continue to rise, it has become increasingly evident that pre-disaster steps must be taken to reduce damage and potential destruction. As Sri Lankan plans for development and improvements to existing infrastructure, the experts in the field have determined that mitigation can, and should, be an important component of the planning effort.

The reason for the emphasis on mitigation is clear. Experience at many countries during natural disasters, and a growing body of associated research, have demonstrated that the losses from such events (in terms of life, property, and community resources) can be substantially reduced when mitigation techniques and technologies are applied.

Year 2003 brought us the biggest flood in over 50 years. The relief measures that went into place created an environment conducive to convince the public of the need for a Natural Disaster Mitigation Plan in place.

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