For generations, Sri Lankans have lived in harmony with the rhythms of nature. The monsoon rains that sustain our crops and the coastal breezes that define our tropical landscape have always been part of our identity. But, this balance is shifting. As climate change accelerates, we are facing an increasing threat from hurricanes, ferocious storms with the power to reshape lives, communities, and landscapes. While such storms have traditionally been associated with other parts of the world, rising ocean temperatures and shifting weather patterns have brought them closer to our shores. Hurricanes are no longer a distant concern; they are a looming reality, and the question we must ask is whether we are prepared for what lies ahead.
Recent severe weather events in our country provide an important warning. During the past few days alone, over 230,000 people were impacted by heavy rains and flooding, with more than 15,000 individuals displaced from their homes. Entire families were forced to take refuge in temporary shelters as floodwaters inundated their homes. Roads were submerged, railways came to a halt, and communities were cut off from essential services. The economic toll was staggering, but the human cost was even more profound. In Ampara, four school children lost their lives when they were swept away by floodwaters; a painful reminder of the vulnerability of those who bear the brunt of these disasters. These events, though devastating, are just the beginning. If hurricanes begin to regularly affect us, the destruction could reach unprecedented levels.
Hurricanes are among the most powerful and destructive weather systems on earth. Formed over warm ocean waters, they gain strength as they draw energy from the heat of the sea. Characterised by winds that can exceed 157 miles per hour, torrential rains, and storm surges, hurricanes leave devastation in their wake. As global temperatures rise, these storms are becoming more intense. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has found that every 1° Celsius increase in global temperatures intensifies hurricanes, increasing their wind speeds, rainfall, and storm surges. For us, this means that hurricanes fueled by warming waters in the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal could soon become a reality.
The threat is not confined to the coasts. While Cities like Colombo, Trincomalee, and Galle are particularly vulnerable to storm surges, inland regions face their own risks. Torrential rains can cause rivers to overflow, inundating entire villages and towns. In areas like Ratnapura, flooding is already a regular occurrence during monsoon seasons. Hurricanes would amplify these events, overwhelming already fragile drainage systems and displacing thousands. The hill country, with its steep slopes and vulnerable settlements, is also at risk. Heavy rains could trigger landslides in areas like Haputale and Nuwara Eliya, endangering communities and cutting off critical infrastructure.
One of the most immediate and alarming consequences of hurricanes is the damage that they inflict on our environment. Our island’s natural ecosystems have long served as buffers against extreme weather. Mangrove forests protect coastlines from storm surges, wetlands absorb excess rainfall, and coral reefs break the energy of incoming waves. Yet, these critical ecosystems are under threat. Mangrove forests, for instance, are being cleared for development at an alarming rate. Around coastal areas, the loss of mangroves has accelerated coastal erosion and increased vulnerability to flooding. Without these natural defenses, communities are left exposed to the full force of hurricanes.
The environmental damage caused by hurricanes extends far beyond their immediate impact. Storm surges can inundate agricultural lands with saltwater, rendering them unproductive for years. Wetlands and freshwater systems can be contaminated, disrupting the delicate balance of ecosystems and threatening biodiversity. Coral reefs, already stressed by rising ocean temperatures, can suffer further degradation from the turbulence of storm surges. The ripple effects of these changes are profound, affecting everything from fish stocks to water quality, and ultimately, the livelihoods of those who depend on these resources.
The economic impact of hurricanes on us would be staggering. Agriculture, which employs nearly a quarter of the population, is particularly vulnerable. Saltwater intrusion into farmland can destroy crops and disrupt planting cycles, while heavy rains can wash away entire harvests. Fisheries face similar challenges. Damaged boats and fishing gear leave communities unable to work, compounding the economic strain on already marginalised groups. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) estimates that climate-related disasters could cost us 1.2% of our gross domestic product annually, a figure that could rise significantly if hurricanes become a regular occurrence. For a nation grappling with economic uncertainty, this is a burden that we cannot afford.
Beyond the financial cost, hurricanes inflict a heavy social toll. Displacement uproots families, forcing them into temporary shelters where they often face overcrowding and inadequate resources. Schools are closed, healthcare is disrupted, and communities are left to rebuild from scratch. The emotional strain on those affected, especially children and the elderly, is immense. Losing a home, a livelihood, or a loved one, leaves scars that go far deeper than the visible destruction.
In the face of this growing threat, we as citizens must act decisively. Protecting and restoring our natural ecosystems is one of the most effective ways to mitigate the impact of hurricanes. Mangrove replanting initiatives, like those underway around wetlands across the country, are a step in the right direction, but they must be scaled up across the island. Wetlands and coral reefs, too, need urgent attention. These ecosystems are not just environmental assets; they are our first line of defence against the forces of nature.
Infrastructure too, must be strengthened. Roads, bridges, and drainage systems need to be upgraded to withstand extreme weather events. Flood barriers and early warning systems can save lives, while investments in disaster preparedness training for communities will ensure that people know how to respond when hurricanes strike. Education is key to empowering local communities with knowledge and resources that can make the difference between life and death during a disaster.
Addressing the root cause of hurricanes, climate change, is perhaps the most critical challenge of all. We must accelerate our transition to renewable energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and adopt sustainable practices across sectors. Global partnerships and funding can support these efforts, but, the real change must come from within. Policies that prioritise sustainability and resilience are essential if we are to safeguard our future.
While the path ahead is daunting, it is not without hope. We have a unique opportunity to lead by example, demonstrating that even a small island nation can take bold steps to address the climate crisis. The decisions we make today will shape the Sri Lanka of tomorrow. Will we choose to invest in resilience, protecting our people and our ecosystems, or will we wait until the first hurricane strikes to realise the true cost of inaction?
The winds of change are already upon us, and the storm is closer than we think. The question is not whether hurricanes will come, but when and how prepared we will be to face them. Will we act now, or will we let the storm catch us unprepared? The answer will define the legacy that we leave for future generations.
(The writer is an electronic engineer with a background in information technology and sustainability)
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The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of this publication