Course Module : Planning for Disaster Resilient Community (APNC 32023)
Date : 08.06.2022 (Wednesday) – 09.06.2022 (Thursday)
Field Study Theme : Strengthening Community Disaster Resilience
Study Area : Achchankulam and Arugukundru Villages, MN/Achchankulam Government Tamil Mixed School ,MN/Nochchikulam HIJRA G.M.M.S and MN/Moddakadai Government Tamil Mixed School ,Divisional Hospital Nanaddan,Mannar
Purpose of the Tsunami Simulation Exercise at Last mile: To develop a tsunami emergency response plan for a coastal community by adopting a community based disaster preparedness approach and ensure the disaster resilient
Learning Objective of the Students: To enhance the student’s practical skills on community based disaster preparedness and resilient aspects.
Methods used: Field Observation and Survey, Focus Group Discussion with Stakeholders (Community and Agencies)
Participated Stakeholders
Local Emergency Responders (SLRC, St Jhones Ambulance, Volunteer Groups), Government Agencies (Divisional Secretariat, District Secretariat, District Disaster Management Coordinating Unit, Disaster Management Centre, RDHS, etc.), Tri-forces, Police, Pradeshiya Sabah, CTB, NGO, Local community consisting residents of the two villagers, Community Leaders, Two Schools (teachers and students) and Hospital Staff.
Participated Undergraduate Students
3rd Year, Bachelor of Arts in Community and Regional Planning, Department of Geography, University of Jaffna.
Academic Facilitators
Staff of Department of Geography, University of Jaffna.
Mr.S. Ravi,Mr.R. Thanushan ,Ms.A.Sathyawani,Ms.T.Saranya,Ms.T.Revathy
and Ms.K.Lakinthini
Stakeholder Organizations
District Secretariat, Mannar
Divisional Secretariat Nanattan, Mannar
District Disaster Management Coordination Unit, Mannar
World Vision, Mannar & Mullaitivu
Department of Geography, University of Jaffna
Study Outcome
- Students were able to identify the practical issues and challenges in Last mail early warning, Evacuation and Response mechanism through a simulated training in the field.
- Students were able to understand community based disaster risk management practices and resilience aspects.
- Students understood different stakeholder’s importance and involvements in strengthening Community Disaster Resilience at local level.
Recommendation of the Study Team
- Enhancing knowledge and understanding about the potential hazards among the community members, particularly among children through a Disaster Safety Education at school level.
- This type of exercise should be extended to Mannar town as Mannar town seems very high vulnerable to multi hazards like sea surge, cyclone and Tsunami.
- The following evacuation routes should be improved to the standard level assuring safe passage of the people.
1.Achchankulam Main Road
2.Achchankulam Agriculture Road
