Tsunami in Sri Lanka

Tsunami is a natural disaster. Sri Lanka faced the tsunami situation in 2004. It was a unforgettable situation for all Sri Lankans.

On the morning of 26 December, Tsunamis and massive tidal waves caused by the massive earthquake that struck off the western coast of northern Sumatra, hit the eastern, southern and large parts of the western coasts of Sri Lanka. The waves swept thousands of people away, destroyed infrastructure and flooded large areas of coastal lands. Of the 25 districts in the country, 12 have been severely affected. As of 31 December, the Government is reporting 27,589 deaths, 889,175 people displaced with over 79,100 houses destroyed.

The tidal wave has particularly affected the coastal districts of Jaffna, Mullativu, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Ampara, Hambantota, Matara and Galle. Areas in the North and East of the country had already been affected by serious monsoon floods in previous months leading to displacement and infrastructure damage. The areas and regions most affected are reflected in the attached map.

Impact

The impact has been devastating for those communities affected as the massive loss of life has decimated communities. In the most affected districts large numbers of displaced are taking refuge in schools and government buildings and are out in the open on areas of higher ground with little or no access to life sustaining services and facilities. In the immediate term, there are concerns that the death toll will increase in the absence of adequate relief efforts. The immediate priority areas of response are for water and sanitation, health, shelter, food and non-food items.

Galle

While there is access to the district, there is considerable damage to infrastructure including to roads and bridges. 70 % of buildings immediately located on the coastline have been completely destroyed and at least 30% of structures have suffered damage up to 1 km inland. Of immediate concern is the damage caused to the health centres, in particular the Galle Maternity hospital. While the population has been routinely immunised, there remain fears of potential water and vector borne disease outbreaks. While there has been a disruption to water supply, potable water is available. However, the lack of sanitation facilities is a major concern.

Ampara

Access to those affected in Ampara is good by road. Damage to infrastructure includes to six hospitals which has significantly disrupted health services. Public buildings are being used as temporary shelters for those who have lost their homes. Water supplies are generally disrupted and there remains a shortage of clean drinking water. Food supply is adequate and supported by local donations although in the medium term will become an issue.

Matara

While there is access to Matara, secondary roads are in poor condition and may hamper efforts to bring relief supplies to those affected. Food and water is available to affected communities although concerns remain on the health situation in view of the limited sanitary conditions.

Hambantot

Affected areas are accessible although road clearance remains an issue in some areas. No hospitals in the district were damaged although several health centres have been affected. Electricity and water supplies have been disrupted. 95 % of fishing boats have been lost or destroyed which will have a significant impact on livelihoods. While shelter for the displaced is provided by use of schools and churches/ mosques, shelter remains a primary need.

There were lot of damages by tsunami. This is the first time Sri Lankans faced like that situation so people can not manage and solving this. But now we have to knowledge about. 

We have to protect our lives