A Study on the Effectiveness of Tsunami Warning System in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The Indian Ocean tsunami of 26th December 2004 was the greatest natural disaster ever to hit Sri Lanka. This is considered as the world`s first Internet-mediated natural disaster as it got extensive coverage with the power of satellite and Internet technologies. However, the tsunami warning message did not reach the respective coastal communities on time, resulting in massive damage to people and properties. Even though no more tsunamis hit Sri Lanka again, a few early warning and preparedness measures have been taken. Tsunami warningsare generated from tsunami towers and these must provide accurate messages. And the system is supposed to work effectively and accurately to avoid causing panic and unnecessary disruption. The purpose of this research is to identify what factors must be considered to make the tsunami warning system work more effectively. A descriptive research methodology has been used for this research, based on a selected sample from the coastal population in Galle that included 60 cases. The Study has been carried out over a period of eight months and it used a questionnaire as a survey instrument. This study proposes that technology, communication, administration and human resourcesare the most critical factors needed to put in place an effective tsunami warning system in Sri Lanka. This will support government agencies to deploy a wider range of response strategies