Forewarned is forearmed where natural disasters are concerned

Minor earth tremors have affected several parts of the country in the past few months causing alarm and panic among residents of these areas. These are relatively new geological phenomena people are experiencing in the island nation which, except for the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, has been free of major natural disasters. However, given the climatic changes taking place across the world and increasing number of natural disasters, Sri Lanka too could one day be impacted. 

There have been more than 10 minor tremors since the start of this year. While authorities say these tremors pose no serious threat, those who have experienced tremors have been left shaken and fear that these could worsen in the future and cause harm to life and property.

In a recent newspaper interview Seismologist attached to the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) Nilmini Thaldena touched on the subject of the recurring tremors and emphasised the need to consider qualitative aspects of high-rise building constructions, particularly in highly populated urban areas to mitigate possible impacts of earth tremors.

She said that while the relevant authorities investigate and monitor such occurrences, the public too need to remain vigilant and take steps to minimise the possible impacts of earth tremors, especially on buildings by paying attention to the quality of building materials, designs, etc. so that there would be minimum damage if there are strong tremors.

Anyone visiting Colombo and its suburbs can easily see the numerous high-risk buildings that have come up and are under construction. There have been instances where lives have been lost due to partially constructed buildings collapsing due to the use of poor-quality material and inadequate attention being paid to safety features of the buildings. There have been instances where the local authorities have given permission to put up a building with a certain number of storeys, but the builders have discreetly gone and increased the number of floors ignoring the necessary safety guidelines as well as violating the relevant laws. In the city of Colombo in particular, even in areas where there are restrictions on the height of buildings, such rules have clearly been violated with authorities turning a blind eye to such developments. All this will be fine, but we cannot ignore the possibility of natural disaster striking the country at the most unexpected time as was even by the tsunami. The Government institutions including the GSMB, the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) and the Meteorology Department which are among those entrusted with ensuring that the relevant information and data are made available so that there can be an early warning system in case of natural disasters, are struggling with lack of funds, staff shortages particularly of experts in the relevant fields. In a country where people are burdened with many economic struggles, such institutions are often neglected and get little attention, until some natural disaster strikes. But with the recurring tremors of late, the authorities concerned cannot sit back and relax and wait for a major disaster to strike the country and cause harm to people and property. 

Sri Lanka needs to cooperate with the international community in the mitigation of natural disasters. Experts have recommended the setting up of a network of seismic monitoring stations as well as close cooperation with the geologists in India and the South Asian region in particular so as not to be caught unaware when a natural disaster strikes. The Government should also consider allocating additional funds for these organisations which are becoming increasingly important given the rapid changes in climatic conditions and environmental changes taking place worldwide. There should also be strict monitoring when high-rise buildings are constructed so that they adhere to high standards.

Forewarned is forearmed, is a good motto to adhere to where natural disasters are concerned so that we can minimise their adverse impacts.