An Analysis of the Downstream Operationalisation of the End-To-End Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System in Sri Lanka

An end-to-end tsunami early warning and mitigation system (TEWMS) is typically divided into upstream and downstream processes, the former involved with the detection and evaluation of a tsunami threat, and the latter with warning dissemination and evacuation. The operationalisation of the downstream mechanism is analysed in this paper, using the tsunami early warning system in Sri Lanka as a case study. Data collection and the subsequent thematic analysis method were underpinned by a conceptual framework for tsunami early warning systems that had been developed previously by the authors. The results of the study revealed gaps in the downstream operationalisation of the end-to-end tsunami warning and mitigation system in Sri Lanka, including a lack of synergy between the standard operating procedures (SOPs), inadequate technical and human resources, weak linkages to village level disaster management committees, a lack of sectoral integration in some instances, and public complacency towards drills. Recommendations were provided to develop a synergised SOPs for the tsunami warning system in Sri Lanka. The study provides a unique insight into the current status and challenges associated with implementing an effective tsunami warning system at the sub-national level.