Weather Related Disasters in Sri Lanka: Most Vulnerable and Where to Find Them Wimal Nanayakkara

Wimal Nanayakkara writes about way forward for dealing with disasters in Sri Lanka

The available data on natural disasters, covering a long period of time, need to be analysed in depth.  These findings should be used by city and town planners, as well as rural area planners, both at the national and the regional levels, when developing effective strategies to minimise the social and economic impacts of natural disasters. The sharing of available data/information and the proper coordination and collaboration between government agencies are absolutely essential in this regard.

The following recommendations should also be implemented.

1. Developing a comprehensive database and up to date website giving information on high risk areas, trends in natural disasters, the number of persons affected, time periods during which the disaster occurred by regions, etc.
2. Mapping areas frequently affected by floods, droughts, landslides, storms etc., so that people can avoid the high risk areas.
3. Making early warning systems more effective and efficient, so that the damage and loss of life is minimised. 
4. Using the available information, especially past trends, to control and reduce the adverse effects of natural disasters and to develop coping strategies. 
5. Establishing an effective system to rehabilitate the affected people, especially the poorer and economically vulnerable groups, to recover their assets and to help them to get on track to proceed with their livelihoods.

https://climatenet.blogspot.com/2018/11/weather-related-disasters-in-sri-lanka.html