By Sarah Hannan
The onset of the South Western Monsoon (SWM) in Sri Lanka got a head start with the low-pressure area which formed over the north Andaman Sea and adjoining east central Bay of Bengal earlier last week,
which intensified into a cyclonic storm, bringing in showers and thunder showers to the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North Western, and Southern Provinces.
According to the situation report released by the Disaster Management Centre on 26 May at 6 p.m., high wind, floods, cutting failures, tree falls, and lighting incidents had impacted 5,939 persons from 1,432 families in 12 districts.
A total of 201 houses were partially damaged due to weather-related incidents while 16 small and medium business premises were damaged as well. A total of 294 persons from 76 families were moved to 13 safe locations in the districts of Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura due to landslide risks and floods.
Department of Meteorology Director – Forecasting and Decision Support Shiromani Jayawardena, explaining the situation, noted: “The SWM usually begins in the third week of May and lasts until September. At the onset of the SWM, the country will experience heavy rainfalls, strong winds, and coastal inundation and erosion on the south-western coast that cause large-scale impacts on fisheries, agriculture, infrastructure, economy, and livelihoods of the south-western parts of Sri Lanka.”
Jayawardena also noted that the SWM contributes 30% of the total annual rainfall of Sri Lanka, providing 50-65% of the annual rainfall to the western slopes of the central hills.
As heavy rainfalls are expected to develop over high-risk river basins, Department of Irrigation Director of Irrigation Hydrology Eng. S.P.C. Sugeeshwara stated: “River basins of Mi Oya, Deduru Oya, Maha Oya, Attanagalu Oya, Kelani Ganga, Kalu Ganga, Bentota Ganga, Maha Oya, Gin Ganga, Nilwala Ganga, and Kirama Oya would be prone to flooding. 
“The critical reservoirs that are expected to have spill gates open include the Deduru Oya, Udawalawe Reservoir and Inginimitiya Reservoirs. The opening of spill gates can be expected after 24 May, in coalescence with the predicted rainfall for that time period. Apart from the main three reservoirs above, the Tabbowa reservoir is also critical during the SWM.”
“The Kelani River can generate floods downstream, even with the spill gates being open upstream. The Ratnapura River basin is expected to be the most critical in terms of potential flooding, in areas such as Ayagama and Nivithigala.”
Preparing for landslides
With landslide risks and cutting failures already getting reported from the Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura Districts, the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) Director (Technical) R.M.S. Bandara explained that in the coming weeks, landslide warnings will be issued from time to time based on the rainfall in the areas vulnerable to landslides.
“Based on historical data, we have identified several divisional secretariat divisions in Badulla, Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Matale, Kegalle, Ratnapura, Kalutara, Galle, Matara, Hambantota, Kurunegala, Colombo, and Gampaha that are vulnerable to landslides during the SWM. Warnings will be under three alert levels based on rainfall; Level 1 (yellow) if rainfall is above 75 mm per day, level 2 (orange) if rainfall is above 100 mm per day with residents alerted to be prepared for evacuation, and level 3 (red) if rainfall is above 150 mm per day,” Bandara noted.
Bandara also noted that people residing near steep hills should stay alert before, during, and after intense storms to easily recognise the warning signs of potential landslides.
Elaborating on the steps that need to be taken by such residents, Bandara explained the three stages:
Before an intense storm – it is better to become familiar with the land around you. Watch the patterns of storm-water drainage on slopes near your home. Since drainage is a major problem, clear or advise to clear all drainage paths to facilitate free flow of stormwater. Watch the hillsides around your home for any signs of land movement. Contact your local authorities to learn about the emergency response and evacuation plans for your area, and develop your own emergency plan for your family and business.
During intense storms – stay alert and stay awake. Many landslide and debris flow fatalities occur when people are sleeping. Listen for any unusual sounds that might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together. So be prepared to move quickly. Don't delay. Save yourself, not your belongings. If you are in areas susceptible to landslides and debris flows, consider leaving. Be especially alert when driving; watch the road for collapsed pavement, mud, fallen rocks, and other indications of possible landslides or debris flows.
After intense storms – Keep looking for signs that the land is moving. Landslides can occur even a few hours or days after an intense or antecedent storm.
Bandara noted that if the residents suspect a landslide risk, they should inform the neighbours that would be impacted, contact their Divisional Secretary, Grama Niladhari, and area Police. Put up a sign board or notice alerting the impending danger and leave the area as quickly as possible.
Disaster Management early preparedness
Speaking to The Sunday Morning about the measures that the Disaster Management Centre has taken in preparation of any disaster situations that could arise during the SWM, Director Preparedness and Planning Division Sunil Jayaweera said: “Given the present situation with the pandemic, in the event that communities need to be evacuated to safety centres, we will issue them warnings before 48 hours, with high risk communities advised to evacuate to friends’ homes or relatives’ homes (in safer areas) to minimise community contact to avoid the spread of Covid-19.”
Jayaweera also noted that each district and Divisional Secretariat (DS) has been issued Government circulars on planning and preparation for response to SWM 2021 with all safety centres instructed to follow strict Covid-19 health guidelines when housing families that are impacted by the inclement weather.
The District Disaster Management Units are to guide and facilitate safer community evacuation to pre-identified safety centres 48 hours in advance, with pre-evacuation before 24 hours to earmarked/assigned safety centres.
“The Sri Lanka Army, Navy, Airforce, Police, Civil Defence, and Coast Guards have their troops on the ready for immediate deployment in the districts that will be affected by the weather-related incidents of the SWM. These units will assist the DMC with the search and rescue operations and have been supplied with the necessary equipment for rescue and response,” Jayaweera stated.
Healthcare service preparedness
Meanwhile, The Sunday Morning inquired from Public Health Services Deputy Director General Dr. Hemantha Herath about their level of preparedness this time around, as the country is facing the third wave of Covid-19.
“Given that safe locations/evacuation centres and the search and rescue operations need to be done in adherence to Covid-19 prevention health guidelines, we urge the public to be vigilant of the developing monsoonal conditions, and if evacuation is to take place, they should do so without delaying, by informing the relevant district disaster management units,” Dr. Herath explained.
Dr. Herath also noted that the public should co-operate with the officials when providing the necessary details about their health status, quarantine status, recent movements when filling up the necessary forms for Covid-19 health check.
Routine health screening would be carried out at all these evacuation centres and in the event Covid-19 patients or suspected patients were identified within evacuation centres, specific quarantine centres will be allocated for them.
Dr. Herath also added: “The monsoon season can increase the risk of dengue fever due to the likelihood of stagnant water, harbouring breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Getting rid of stagnant water, covering homes with mesh screens, and using mosquito repellents are few methods to destroy breeding grounds.”
He also emphasised that, as a preventive measure in contracting illnesses, it is better to minimise outdoor exposure for children.
Dr. Herath further reiterated that staying vigilant to symptoms was key, as it was easy to mistake dengue fever for Covid-19 and vice versa. Since this could be a strain in the event of evacuation or at evacuation centres, it was highlighted to seek medical advice immediately and co-operate with authorities at evacuation facilities.
Emergency contacts
which intensified into a cyclonic storm, bringing in showers and thunder showers to the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North Western, and Southern Provinces.
According to the situation report released by the Disaster Management Centre on 26 May at 6 p.m., high wind, floods, cutting failures, tree falls, and lighting incidents had impacted 5,939 persons from 1,432 families in 12 districts.
A total of 201 houses were partially damaged due to weather-related incidents while 16 small and medium business premises were damaged as well. A total of 294 persons from 76 families were moved to 13 safe locations in the districts of Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura due to landslide risks and floods.
Department of Meteorology Director – Forecasting and Decision Support Shiromani Jayawardena, explaining the situation, noted: “The SWM usually begins in the third week of May and lasts until September. At the onset of the SWM, the country will experience heavy rainfalls, strong winds, and coastal inundation and erosion on the south-western coast that cause large-scale impacts on fisheries, agriculture, infrastructure, economy, and livelihoods of the south-western parts of Sri Lanka.”
Jayawardena also noted that the SWM contributes 30% of the total annual rainfall of Sri Lanka, providing 50-65% of the annual rainfall to the western slopes of the central hills.
As heavy rainfalls are expected to develop over high-risk river basins, Department of Irrigation Director of Irrigation Hydrology Eng. S.P.C. Sugeeshwara stated: “River basins of Mi Oya, Deduru Oya, Maha Oya, Attanagalu Oya, Kelani Ganga, Kalu Ganga, Bentota Ganga, Maha Oya, Gin Ganga, Nilwala Ganga, and Kirama Oya would be prone to flooding.
“The critical reservoirs that are expected to have spill gates open include the Deduru Oya, Udawalawe Reservoir and Inginimitiya Reservoirs. The opening of spill gates can be expected after 24 May, in coalescence with the predicted rainfall for that time period. Apart from the main three reservoirs above, the Tabbowa reservoir is also critical during the SWM.”
“The Kelani River can generate floods downstream, even with the spill gates being open upstream. The Ratnapura River basin is expected to be the most critical in terms of potential flooding, in areas such as Ayagama and Nivithigala.”
Preparing for landslides
With landslide risks and cutting failures already getting reported from the Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura Districts, the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) Director (Technical) R.M.S. Bandara explained that in the coming weeks, landslide warnings will be issued from time to time based on the rainfall in the areas vulnerable to landslides.
“Based on historical data, we have identified several divisional secretariat divisions in Badulla, Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Matale, Kegalle, Ratnapura, Kalutara, Galle, Matara, Hambantota, Kurunegala, Colombo, and Gampaha that are vulnerable to landslides during the SWM. Warnings will be under three alert levels based on rainfall; Level 1 (yellow) if rainfall is above 75 mm per day, level 2 (orange) if rainfall is above 100 mm per day with residents alerted to be prepared for evacuation, and level 3 (red) if rainfall is above 150 mm per day,” Bandara noted.
Bandara also noted that people residing near steep hills should stay alert before, during, and after intense storms to easily recognise the warning signs of potential landslides.
Elaborating on the steps that need to be taken by such residents, Bandara explained the three stages:
Before an intense storm – it is better to become familiar with the land around you. Watch the patterns of storm-water drainage on slopes near your home. Since drainage is a major problem, clear or advise to clear all drainage paths to facilitate free flow of stormwater. Watch the hillsides around your home for any signs of land movement. Contact your local authorities to learn about the emergency response and evacuation plans for your area, and develop your own emergency plan for your family and business.
During intense storms – stay alert and stay awake. Many landslide and debris flow fatalities occur when people are sleeping. Listen for any unusual sounds that might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together. So be prepared to move quickly. Don't delay. Save yourself, not your belongings. If you are in areas susceptible to landslides and debris flows, consider leaving. Be especially alert when driving; watch the road for collapsed pavement, mud, fallen rocks, and other indications of possible landslides or debris flows.
After intense storms – Keep looking for signs that the land is moving. Landslides can occur even a few hours or days after an intense or antecedent storm.
Bandara noted that if the residents suspect a landslide risk, they should inform the neighbours that would be impacted, contact their Divisional Secretary, Grama Niladhari, and area Police. Put up a sign board or notice alerting the impending danger and leave the area as quickly as possible.
Disaster Management early preparedness
Speaking to The Sunday Morning about the measures that the Disaster Management Centre has taken in preparation of any disaster situations that could arise during the SWM, Director Preparedness and Planning Division Sunil Jayaweera said: “Given the present situation with the pandemic, in the event that communities need to be evacuated to safety centres, we will issue them warnings before 48 hours, with high risk communities advised to evacuate to friends’ homes or relatives’ homes (in safer areas) to minimise community contact to avoid the spread of Covid-19.”
Jayaweera also noted that each district and Divisional Secretariat (DS) has been issued Government circulars on planning and preparation for response to SWM 2021 with all safety centres instructed to follow strict Covid-19 health guidelines when housing families that are impacted by the inclement weather.
The District Disaster Management Units are to guide and facilitate safer community evacuation to pre-identified safety centres 48 hours in advance, with pre-evacuation before 24 hours to earmarked/assigned safety centres.
“The Sri Lanka Army, Navy, Airforce, Police, Civil Defence, and Coast Guards have their troops on the ready for immediate deployment in the districts that will be affected by the weather-related incidents of the SWM. These units will assist the DMC with the search and rescue operations and have been supplied with the necessary equipment for rescue and response,” Jayaweera stated.
Healthcare service preparedness
Meanwhile, The Sunday Morning inquired from Public Health Services Deputy Director General Dr. Hemantha Herath about their level of preparedness this time around, as the country is facing the third wave of Covid-19.
“Given that safe locations/evacuation centres and the search and rescue operations need to be done in adherence to Covid-19 prevention health guidelines, we urge the public to be vigilant of the developing monsoonal conditions, and if evacuation is to take place, they should do so without delaying, by informing the relevant district disaster management units,” Dr. Herath explained.
Dr. Herath also noted that the public should co-operate with the officials when providing the necessary details about their health status, quarantine status, recent movements when filling up the necessary forms for Covid-19 health check.
Routine health screening would be carried out at all these evacuation centres and in the event Covid-19 patients or suspected patients were identified within evacuation centres, specific quarantine centres will be allocated for them.
Dr. Herath also added: “The monsoon season can increase the risk of dengue fever due to the likelihood of stagnant water, harbouring breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Getting rid of stagnant water, covering homes with mesh screens, and using mosquito repellents are few methods to destroy breeding grounds.”
He also emphasised that, as a preventive measure in contracting illnesses, it is better to minimise outdoor exposure for children.
Dr. Herath further reiterated that staying vigilant to symptoms was key, as it was easy to mistake dengue fever for Covid-19 and vice versa. Since this could be a strain in the event of evacuation or at evacuation centres, it was highlighted to seek medical advice immediately and co-operate with authorities at evacuation facilities.
Emergency contacts
- Disaster Management Centre hotline: 117
- Response Operation Co-ordination DMC Director Emergency Response: 0773957903
- Emergency Operation Centre Duty Officer: 0773957900/0112670002
- Military Resources Mobilisation Co-ordination Military Co-ordinator: 0772095328