Eco-technological approach to demarcate tsunami evacuation sites in Matara district, southern Sri Lanka.: "A case study in Gandara and Devinuwara".

In the present paper an appropriate model for Sri Lanka to build Disaster resilience nation, by participatory approach introducing evacuation zones through Eco-technological integration is discussed. The study was conducted in Gandara and Devinuwara area which underwent the Tsunami tragedy in 2004. A field survey was conducted through a structured questioner to collect the data on Tsunami impact and elevation in the area of four bays in Gandara which were affected due to the tsunami. Locational data were collected using GPS techniques. Evacuation sites were demarcated in the outer skirt of the Tsunami hazard zone, considering the factors of elevation, road accessibility, availability of common places, such as temples, schools in coordination with the disaster management center and other stake holder institutions. This helped to develop simulation maps for the planning processes of tsunami evacuation programs to build community resilience. Levels of inundation due to 2004 tsunami in the affected areas were demarcated through a Digital Elevation Model and appropriate evacuation sites and routes were identified to fix sign boards to follow in case of a tsunami warning. An eco-touristic approach is strictly followed to maintain the sustainability of the site. People mobilization and training programs were initiated by cataloging the historical and cultural heritages, Natural resources, Local wisdom and knowledge of the people, etc. to convert the sites in to an eco-touristic zone. In the investigated areas, the flooded area was demarcated as 172,380 square meters and the average distance covered by the wave inside the land as 90 meters with a maximum of 530 meters. The sustainable evacuation shelters for the future Tsunami evacuation programs in Gandara and Devinuwara areas were identified in Purana Viharaya and Jayabhodhi Viharaya in Gandara, and Wawwa temple in Devinuwara. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]