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| Sunday, 2 January 2005 |
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Features |  |
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History of tsunamis in Sri Lanka by Dr. Daya Hewapathirane The ancient chronicles Rajawaliya and the Mahawamsa have preserved the memory of the overflow of the ocean which occurred in the 2nd century BCE, over 2200 years ago, during the reigns of Kings Kelanitissa (Maya Rata in the West) and King Kawantissa (Ruhunu Rata in the South).
Sri Lanka's local tradition holds that the overflow of the ocean has occurred several times during prehistoric times, submerging large areas in the country. Very little information is available on the nature and extent of damage and loss of life, and there is no information on the location of earthquakes that led to tsunami events in Sri Lanka in the past. The story goes that King Kelanitissa who, in the 2nd century BC, angered over a love affair between his wife and his brother, executed a Buddhist monk. The story continues that the Devas of the sea and the guardian deities of Sri Lanka were angered by this rash act and the sea began to encroach rapidly upon the west coast of the country. Kelaniya, which was then seven gawwas (45 km) away from the sea was reduced to less than six. Boedeker and U. E. Ramage in A Cingalese Flood legend, (Ceylon, Maha) states that to appease the 'Devas' of the sea, much against the king's will, his daughter, princess Devi was placed in a boat and launched into the ocean as a form of sacrifice. The floods then subsided and upon hearing the stories of the havoc wrought by the waters, the king proceeded to view the devastated land. In recent years Moodu Maha Vihare at Pottuvil has broken into the news, controversially no doubt, as marking the spot where the redoubtable Vihare Maha Devi was washed ashore, in her boat. According to the Mahawamsa, King Kavantissa married her and she became the mother of Dutugemunu one of Sri Lanka's most heroic kings. Causal factors and other characteristics Although a tsunami may be caused by volcanic eruption, the most common cause is an earthquake occurring under the sea. There are many records of tsunami disasters in Japan. Here, most tsunamis originate near the Pacific coast and the resulting sea waves attack the coastal region causing great damage. Tsunamis originating in other places in the Pacific such as the Chilean coast of South America also cause serious damages to the Pacific coast of Japan. The distribution of wave height on the coastal areas varies according to the type of tsunami. "V shaped" narrow bays provide conditions favouring the increase in wave height. This is a main reason why 'rias' type coast frequently suffers serious tsunami hazards. A 'rias' coast or the so-called 'sawtooth' coastline, is characterised by a complex jagged shoreline. Such coastlines are among the most fascinating recreational sights along the coast and often are treasure houses of high-class marine products such as pearls. Such coastlines in Japan are known to have been attacked repeatedly by tsunamis throughout historic times. Coping with tsunamis No public policy or programmes, especially a warning system are found in Sri Lanka to cope with Tsunami hazards per se. Also, private individuals and households with no direct experience with tsunamis, are unprepared for a natural event of this nature. This naturally is responsible for the most devasting consequences. As far as tsunamis generated by earthquakes occurring near Japan, the first arrival of the sea wave is generally 10 to 30 minutes after the earthquake. It is possible to predict its occurrence. Escape to high places is the usual way to prevent loss of life when people receive warning. This is the only emergency measure. As far as permanent adjustments are concerned, improved earthquake prediction and warning systems, relocation of houses to higher places, construction of seawalls, tidewater control, afforestation and shelter harbours are among the measures adopted in places like Japan. Prediction of earthquakes is essential for preventing tsunami damages. Tsunami impacts The consolidation of warning systems with earthquake prediction is of basic importance, There is great need for cooperation of countries prone to tsunamis to cooperate in view of coping with this devastating natural phenomena. Tsunami losses varies according to the nature of the event, the time of occurrence, the type and extent of occupation and use of the low-lying coastal areas, and the extent and effectiveness of precautionary measures taken by the people. Sri Lanka's population at risk of tsunamis is exceptionally high owing to the dense concentration of people and urban centres including fishing villages and tourist establishments and associated commercial enterprises in low-lying coastal areas. These areas have no established and effective system of warning people of an oncoming tsunami event. The population at risk of tsunamis in the Western, Southern, Eastern and Northern provinces can be estimated at over 2 million which is about 10% of Sri Lanka's total population. This population at risk includes the people who are directly and indirectly affected, those whose life, dwellings, places of work including farms and other property and income are liable to be affected. The population displaced and seriously affected by the tsunami event of December 26 may be estimated at one and half million in the affected ten coastal districts. The death toll has been estimated to be more that 35,000, which makes this the most devastating natural hazard that the country has faced in living memory. The writer's doctoral research was on Natural Disaster Management in Sri Lanka. He has worked for Canada's Federal Government and Canada's Albertas Disaster Management. He is currently resident in Canada. |
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The interesting story of Viharamahadevi is associated with this
Tsunami. R.V.Brohier (1935), Ancient Irrigation Works in Ceylon, Part III,
p.1-2, and Literary Register, Volume I, 1887, p. 62, make references to
this tsunami event.
