Enhancing Community Resilience in Koralai Pattu South: An Area-Based Risk Assessment

We have recently completed an Area-Based Risk Assessment (ABRA) in Koralai Pattu South, Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. This comprehensive study, conducted in partnership with Acted and funded by the US Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), aims to identify and analyze the primary hazards threatening this region. The findings of this assessment are crucial for improving local preparedness and resilience against natural disasters. 

Why It's Important 

Sri Lanka is highly vulnerable to climate change due to its unique hydrological regime and exposure to extreme weather events. The region has faced numerous crises in recent years, including the 2019 Easter Attacks, the global COVID-19 pandemic, and the 2022 economic crisis. These events have severely impacted the capacity of marginalized communities to withstand even minor shocks. The eastern provinces, particularly, are susceptible to floods, droughts, and human-animal conflicts due to their economic reliance on agriculture and fisheries and the limited protective measures in place. 

Key Messages 

1. Identifying High-Risk Areas: The ABRA study identified three Grama Nilahadari Divisions (GNDs)—Muruthanai, Perillavely, and Vahanery—as the most at risk from multiple hazards, particularly droughts and floods. Muruthanai, for example, is highly vulnerable due to its extensive drought area and significant crop exposure to floods. 
2. Social Vulnerability: Socio-economic factors, such as the high number of female-headed households in Perillavely, further exacerbate vulnerability. Addressing these social vulnerabilities is crucial for enhancing community resilience. 
3. Human-Elephant Conflict: Santhiveli faces the highest risk of elephant attacks due to deforestation and population density. Mitigating this risk requires targeted interventions to address underlying causes such as unemployment and habitat disruption. 
4. Localized Approach: The study underscores the importance of a localized approach to risk assessment. Tailored strategies for drought management, flood control, and human-elephant conflict mitigation are essential for effective disaster risk reduction. 
5. Informing Interventions: The findings from ABRA will guide Acted, local authorities, and humanitarian partners in designing and implementing targeted interventions. These efforts will focus on building the resilience of the most vulnerable communities and territories in Koralai Pattu South. 

Final thoughts 

The ABRA in Koralai Pattu South provides a detailed and localized risk profile that is essential for informing disaster risk reduction strategies. By understanding the specific vulnerabilities and hazards faced by different communities, stakeholders can prioritize and customize their interventions to enhance resilience and reduce the impact of future disasters. This study is a vital tool for guiding efforts to build a safer and more resilient future for the people of Koralai Pattu South. 

Read the full report here: AGORA_LKA2301_Report_ABRA_Batticaloa_Kiran_May2024_A4-2.pdf (impact-initiatives.org)