Weather-induced devastation: unfathomable or warnings ignored

Colombo, Dec 1 (Daily Mirror) - Despite forecasts of torrential downpours exceeding 150 mm by the Meteorology Department, the lack of a proper pre-assessment of the potential impact reduced opportunities for damage mitigation this time, the Daily Mirror learns.

Meteorological authorities had analysed all available data regarding the development of the Ditwah storm near Sri Lanka and its movement across the country toward southern India. An official from the Department said that rainfall above 150 mm to 200 mm was forecast, along with a red alert, by November 25.

“We can forecast rain and wind, but not their possible impact on the ground. It is up to the other relevant agencies to act upon,” the official said.

However, Environment Minister Dr. Dammika Patabendi ruled out any dereliction of duty by stakeholders. He noted that landslides occurred in areas such as Thulhiriya, which had not previously been identified as high-risk.

“The volume and intensity of rain were unexpected. For example, Matale received more than 540 mm of rainfall. The area simply cannot cope with such a massive volume of water,” he said.

He added that most landslide victims were those who had ignored previous evacuation orders. “There were unexpected flash floods in some areas. Even Navy boats could not move because of strong currents,” he said.