Be ready for natural disasters

Three earth tremors, with the largest measuring 3.5 magnitude on the Richter scale, were recorded in the Wellawaya areas last week. According to the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau the seismic stations in Buttala, Hakmana, Pallekele and Buddhangala had recorded these earth tremors around noon on Friday, 10 February. It is reported that a team of scientists is investigating the tremors. 

Despite Sri Lanka not being known for high seismic activity and earthquakes, it is necessary to monitor the situation and prepare for any eventuality. Sri Lanka was caught unawares when the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami struck killing over 40,000 civilians. The Disaster Management Centre was established after the tsunami and was meant to be the lead agency in handling such calamities and ensuring disaster preparedness.

Taking stock of disaster preparedness is even more critical in the wake of monumental changes happening to the global climate. Natural disasters have become more frequent and higher in magnitude. There is no parity or justice when facing the effects of climate change and often countries that are least responsible for causing global environmental change are facing the brunt of the resulting challenges. It is for this very reason that countries such as ours must take the necessary precautionary measures in advance and prepare for eventualities. 

As a small island and a developing nation now amid an economic meltdown, Sri Lanka is highly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. Consequences of climate change such as temperature rise, rainfall variability and sea level rise are critically affecting almost all economic sectors of the country. Occurrences of natural disasters due to extreme weather conditions such as prolonged droughts, flash floods and landslides deprive lives and livelihoods of people.

In 2010 the Government initiated the development of a National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and in 2012 adopted a National Climate Change Policy. The National Adaptation Plan was presented in 2016 identifying several key areas including agriculture, fisheries, water, human health, coastal and marine, ecosystems and biodiversity, infrastructure and human settlements as the most vulnerable sectors to the adverse effects of climate change. This was intended to focus policy development, strengthen cooperation, enhance institutional setup, and effectively mobilise resources to face this challenge.

In September 2022, President Ranil Wickremesinghe launched the country’s ‘Climate Prosperity Plan’ (CPP) at the UN Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP) in Egypt. Sri Lanka’s CPP expects to accelerate climate adaptation and bring down the country’s greenhouse gas emissions as it transitions towards net negative emissions. Sri Lanka’s Climate Prosperity Plan is expected to deliver an economic growth rate that is 1% per year higher, resulting in GDP that is 34% higher by 2050. The Sri Lankan plan sets a target of increasing Sri Lanka’s renewable energy generation from 35% to 70% by 2030. The plan provides a pathway for Sri Lanka to become a carbon negative economy before mid-century.

Irrespective of the economic crisis that is preoccupying policymakers, it is imperative that they also focus on the real threats posed through climate change and possible natural disasters which can have serious ramifications on food security, water resources and the general survival of the populace. The recent tremors should be a reminder of Sri Lanka’s vulnerability and an opportunity to assess the disaster preparedness of the country to face numerous possible eventualities.