Evaluation of gaps in early warning mechanisms and evacuation procedures for coastal communities in Sri Lanka
International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment
ISSN: 1759-5908
Article publication date: 3 March 2020
Issue publication date: 27 April 2020
Abstract
Purpose
Even though Sri Lanka has established Early Warning (EW) mechanisms and Evacuation Procedures (EP) for the communities affected by the coastal disasters, there are several gaps, which hinder effective mechanisms in operation of disaster management practices. These gaps affect both the vulnerable communities and relevant authorities involved in the Disaster Management sector. This paper aims to identify and evaluate those gaps while providing adequate solutions.
Design/methodology/approach
For that, questionnaire surveys were carried out with a sample size of 217 via an online survey (117) among the urban level and interviews and telephone interviews (100) with the village level coastal communities. Data analysis was carried out using statistical analysis of questionnaire surveys and grounded theory was used for in-depth qualitative study.
Findings
Primary and secondary data obtained from the surveys were categorized under five themes, namely, response to early warning systems, evacuation routes, shelters, drills and training, effect of having a family vehicle, relatives and domestic animals, evacuation of people with special needs and cooperation with local government units. This paper analyses these themes in detail.
Originality/value
While critically evaluating the gaps in existing early warning mechanisms and evacuation procedures, this paper identifies correlations between some of the gaps and recommendations as well. Input from the international academics were also obtained at different forums and have strengthen the findings to overcome the barriers, which hinder successful mechanisms.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This research was conducted in collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering of University of Moratuwa and University of Peradeniya with the financial aid from CABARET (Capacity Building in Asia for Resilience Education), a project of the European Union’s Erasmus + programme – Key action 2 – Capacity building in the field of higher education.
Funding: The research was funded by the EU Erasmus+ CABARET project.
Disclaimer: The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use, which may be made of the information contained therein.
Citation
Perera, C., Jayasooriya, D., Jayasiri, G., Randil, C., Bandara, C., Siriwardana, C., Dissanayake, R., Hippola, S., Sylva, K., Kamalrathne, T. and Kulatunga, A. (2020), "Evaluation of gaps in early warning mechanisms and evacuation procedures for coastal communities in Sri Lanka", International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, Vol. 11 No. 3, pp. 415-433. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJDRBE-07-2019-0048
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited