Expert Consultation: Early Warning System

for Dam Related Hazards

Rohan Samarajiva, LIRNEasia

Distance Learning Centre, SLIDA Campus20 May 2005

Starting point NNationalational E Earlyarly W Warningarning S System:ystem: S Sriri L Lankaanka

A Participatory Concept Paper for the Design of an Effective All-Hazard Public Warning System

Key emphasis on all hazards approach Distinction between remote-origination hazards, e.g.,

tsunamis (hazard information should come from international/regional sources), and proximate-origin hazards, e.g., dam breaches (we have to do the job ourselves)

Information and communication technologies key to warning

Excerpt from NEWS:SL Based on the rich information supplied in the

course of the consultative process, VDPC has decided to conduct a pilot study . . .. Most importantly VDPC has been invited to participate in a community level initiative at Gampola, an area in the shadow of major dams. The findings of this project will be of value in itself because the implementation of the likely institutional remedies involves only a few organizations. In addition, VDPC will use this project as a case study for the media and emergency responder workshop.

Education

Public Warning as component of a Risk Management System

Risk Management System

Allple hazards

Hazard detection

Timely and Accurate

WarningWarning

Appropriate action by vulnerable population

Response

Preparedness

Hazardo

us Event

Recovery

Mitigation

Warning

Focus of this concept paper

Objectives of consultation Input for draft consultation paper that

(along with town meetings and media) will elicit more information and views No one profession/person knows the solution

Focus not simply on the engineering problem (very important), but on The public policy problem: institutional reform The role that information and communication

technologies can play Awareness raising

Interim Concept Paper will be available in early June at:

www.lirneasia.net www.vanguardfoundationlanka.org

Open for comments untilTown meetings completed (Kandy and Gampola planned

for June 26th, 2005 Polonnaruwa, early July)

Finalization and submission in July 2005