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Assesment of Tsunami Preparedness Measures in East Coast of Sri Lanka Based on 2004 Tsunami Event

Author(s): N. R. Josiah; D. P. C. Laknath; S. Araki

Linked Author(s): D.P.C. Laknath

Keywords: Tsunami; Simulation; Delft3D; Inundation; Evacuation

Abstract: The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami is the worst natural disaster ever recorded in Sri Lankan history. Due to the present active tectonic activities in the subduction zone beneath Sumatra, there is a possibility of occurring tsunamis in the Indian Ocean again by bringing devastation for coastal countries in the Indian Ocean. Thus, proper understanding about possible tsunami inundation levels is a prerequisite for disaster prevention and management activities. The present study was carried out for the Batticaloa, a major city in east coast of Sri Lanka which was severely devastated by the 2004 tsunami. Even though tsunami awareness programs and post disaster field surveys have been carried out a decade ago, there are no any studies assessing the present conditions of tsunami disaster preparedness of Batticaloa City yet. Therefore, in this study, a numerical model was established to predict the tsunami propagation and inundation in the interested area. A field survey was carried out to collect the information on established facilities such as early warning systems and evacuation strategies. Delft3D-FLOW module was used to carry out the numerical simulations. There is a good agreement between simulated inundations by Delft3D modeling system and field investigated values. From the field survey, it was identified that present conditions of disaster management methods, techniques and strategies are inadequate in the study area and recommended to improve them to prepare for future tsunami events.

DOI:

Year: 2020

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