This year, the Western province of our country experienced a major flood condition and most semi urban sectors near Kelaniya River were severely damaged. Although few months have gone after that incident, we thought of look into causing factors of a natural disaster, via this Gaveshana editorial since it’s important to remember the causes for disasters and take necessary actions to prevent any future disasters.
At present the term “Global warming and its effect on climate change” has become a very popular topic among general public. Although many don’t know it in detail, the required awareness has been created by the effort of, meteorologists, concerned organizations and media around the world.
Most of the time severe floods, droughts, heat waves and unexpected weather changes have provided the meteorologists enough evidence to believe that climate change is real and it is happening. If we check the root causes of this global problem, there is ample evidence to understand, results of human activities have direct influence on global warming. Most of the time human activities have extravagated the natural weather cycles and we are experiencing the harmful results of it.
As we all know, when heavy rain continues for several days in Sri Lanka, there is a very high possibility, it leads to a flood. The most recent floods occurred in past 10 years, has always led to many social issues, such as health and financial problems mainly due to unplanned urbanization. Because of this reason many disasters caused by severe weather effects are now branded as “manmade” instead of “natural” effects.
Our country is mainly affected by, floods and landslides. If we simplify these natural phenomena; when there is excessive amount of rain water on soil surface and if the water absorption rate is slower than the rate of rain, it can lead to a flood. Excessive unplanned urbanization and poor irrigation systems have enhanced this problem and with its relation to public health it has now become a national issue.
Landslides are natural disasters, which occur in hill areas. The combination of rain water and composition of the loose sectors of soil layers leads to this disaster. In recent times this is also branded as a “manmade” disaster due to effects of humans. Composition of soil differs according to area and respective layer of soil. Most of the time people build houses, or start farming on these loose soil sectors, without referring to any professional consultation. So once the monsoon rain season starts, we hear landslides related disasters.
The changes in atmosphere have direct impact on earth. Deforestation, excessive release of carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases has led to global warming. Climate change is influenced by global warming and unfortunately people around the world are contributing to it.
It is very clear that human activities have direct as well as indirect impact on natural disasters. From unplanned urbanization to releasing greenhouse gases, people make negative contributions. The policy makers, town planners and relevant governing bodies should always consider possible disasters before implementing developmental projects. The developed as well as developing countries should consider reducing their own contributions to global warming, before blaming other nations.
Editorial -26th volume