Sri Lanka’s disaster preparedness inadequate due to climate threats: DMC Chief

Colombo, July 11 (Daily Mirror) - Disaster Management Centre (DMC) Director General Retired Major General Sampath Kotuwegoda has warned that Sri Lanka faces an increased risk of disasters due to climate change and global warming.

Speaking before the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE), he said the DMC lacks sufficient staff and resources to respond effectively to major disasters, noting that the institution faced severe challenges during Cyclone Ditwah.

He said the DMC’s Emergency Operations Centre, which operates 24 hours a day, lacks proper facilities for officers on night duty, while district disaster management units face delays in responding to emergencies occurring after office hours.

The Director General said although steps have been taken to merge the DMC with the National Disaster Relief Service Centre to address staff shortages, the process would take time and could create difficulties if another major disaster occurs.

He also warned that Sri Lanka remains vulnerable to a tsunami, stating that waves from a tsunami saying that near the Andaman Islands could reach the country within about 40 minutes, making the evacuation of millions of coastal residents a major challenge. He added that existing tsunami warning towers are currently not functioning and need repairs.