Early warning system to be strengthened

Disna MUDALIGE

The Disaster Early Warning System in coastal areas is to be strengthened to improve disaster preparedness and resilience.

The Meteorology Department with the funding from the Regional Integrated Multi-hazard Early Warning System (RIMES) has undertaken this move initially in Kalutara and Pottuvil as a pilot project.

Disaster Management Minister Mahinda Amaraweera observed that the frequency of disasters in the world has increased with more natural disasters expected in the future. He observed that Sri Lanka being an island nation should pay prime concern for disaster resilience and resistance.

The minister was addressing the Fifth Monsoon Forum organized by the Meteorology Department in collaboration with the RIMES and World Meteorological Organization in Colombo yesterday. The RIMES also donated two megaphones to pilot project sites to improve emergency early warning communication.