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An unprecedented calamity

Never has Sri Lanka faced a natural disaster on the scale that we witnessed yesterday. More than 2,000 people have been killed and many more are still missing. President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga has declared a State of National Disaster to deal with this unexpected crisis.

It was indeed unexpected, even though the tremor that shook some parts of the country a couple of days ago could have been regarded as a harbinger of things to come.

No one thought that an ordinary Sunday at the very end of the year could turn into a nightmare for thousands of people across the country or for that matter, throughout the region.

The disaster was triggered by tsunamis (tidal waves) unleashed by a massive earthquake off Indonesia. Sri Lanka's coastline was one of the worst hit areas. India, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Bangladesh and the Maldives are among the other affected countries.

Sri Lankans had never really experienced earthquakes and tsunamis. They used to be phenomena confined to distant countries. We simply saw them on television or read about them in newspapers.

Unfortunately, as yesterday's disaster proves, this is no longer the case. The harsh reality that we are prone to earthquakes and tidal waves just like the countries in famous earthquake belts.

In a way, it was a disaster waiting to happen as there has been an increase in the number of tremors and minor earthquakes in the region. Sri Lanka itself experienced many of these. Experts had warned that it could only be a matter of time before a major earthquake occurred.

The main reason for this change is that the Earth is a dynamic entity. It is constantly changing and the continents are moving apart year after year. Friction between tectonic plates could lead to new earthquake areas. This means that no region in the world could be 100 per cent safe from tremors and earthquakes.

This is why the time has come to face the bitter truth that we are not immune to earthquakes. One must not forget that the last major earthquake in Sri Lanka killed 2,000 people in 1614.

Therefore, we cannot be complacent. If an earthquake near Indonesia could cause so much damage to life and property here, one can imagine the consequences of an earthquake nearer home.

The authorities must acquire advanced seismographs and other equipment for detecting earthquakes and tremors. They may be costly, but worth every cent in the current scenario. Any areas that may be vulnerable to earthquakes must be identified.

Earthquake and tremor resistance must be factored in when issuing building permits. Our engineers must study such buildings in earthquake-prone countries and adopt those design elements.

Sri Lanka, however, did not face this unprecedented disaster alone, as we have mentioned. All the affected countries and their neighbours must join hands at this moment to help each other.

Now that we know for certain that the entire region is at risk, there should be increased regional and international cooperation on mitigating the impact of such disasters. Countries in the region, such as Japan, where earthquakes are frequent, should share their experiences with Asian neighbours.

Serious thought must be given to establishing a pan-Asian body to deal with natural disasters. It should have a panel of experts to study geological and climatic patterns to detect any discernible changes and forewarn the authorities in all countries. The same body could coordinate relief efforts if a disaster occurs.

Scientists around the world are estimating the locations and likelihoods of future damaging earthquakes. Sites of greatest hazard are being identified. These studies must be intensified.

The scientists' goal is to give warning of potentially damaging earthquakes early enough to allow an appropriate response to the disaster, enabling people to minimise loss of life and property.

Until a technological breakthrough makes it possible to predict earthquakes at least several hours in advance, our best hope lies in the early detection of geological shifts and the adoption of precautionary measures.

All Sri Lankans must come together at this moment irrespective of various differences. Our hearts go out to the families of the victims. Our homes must be open to the survivors. We have to come to terms with the enormity of this calamity and collectively do our best to get the country back on track.

Nature has dealt us a severe blow; but we should be united in the face of its ferocity to be brave and resilient in overcoming the consequences of the disaster.

www.Pathmaconstruction.com

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