Global Support Pours in for Sri Lanka as Flood Toll Rises to 390
The international community, including India, has pledged support to Sri Lanka as the death toll from severe floods and landslides climbed to 390.
Photo by Sheila C
Quick Revision
Death toll from floods and landslides in Sri Lanka reached 390
Over 1.2 million people affected
International community pledged support
India dispatched naval ships with relief materials and medical teams
Key Numbers
Visual Insights
Sri Lanka Flood Crisis & India's Humanitarian Aid
This map illustrates the location of Sri Lanka, currently affected by severe floods, and highlights India's role as a key provider of humanitarian assistance. It visually represents the 'Neighbourhood First' policy in action.
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Sri Lanka Flood Crisis: Key Impact Statistics
A quick overview of the human toll and scale of the disaster in Sri Lanka, highlighting the immediate humanitarian need.
- Lives Lost
- 390+
- People Affected
- 1.2 Million+
Represents the tragic human cost of the devastating floods and landslides in Sri Lanka. This number underscores the severity of the natural calamity.
Indicates the widespread impact on the population, encompassing displacement, loss of homes, livelihoods, and access to basic services. This scale necessitates large-scale humanitarian assistance.
Exam Angles
Geography of Sri Lanka and its climate patterns (monsoons, low-pressure systems).
Causes and types of natural disasters (floods, landslides) and their environmental impacts.
India's foreign policy: 'Neighbourhood First' and 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiatives.
International cooperation in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).
Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) frameworks like the Sendai Framework.
Climate change impacts and adaptation strategies in South Asia.
View Detailed Summary
Summary
Sri Lanka is grappling with devastating floods and landslides that have claimed at least 390 lives and affected over 1.2 million people. The island nation has been hit by torrential rains, leading to widespread displacement and destruction. In response to this humanitarian crisis, the international community has rallied to provide assistance.
India, as a close neighbour, has been at the forefront, dispatching naval ships with relief materials and medical teams, and offering further support. This collective international effort highlights the importance of disaster management and humanitarian aid in times of crisis, underscoring regional cooperation and solidarity in addressing natural calamities.
Background
Sri Lanka is highly susceptible to natural disasters, particularly floods and landslides, due to its geographical location, topography, and monsoon climate. The island nation experiences two main monsoon seasons: the Southwest Monsoon (May to September) and the Northeast Monsoon (December to February), along with inter-monsoon rains.
Its central highlands, characterized by steep slopes and geological instability, are prone to landslides, often exacerbated by deforestation and extreme rainfall events. Historically, Sri Lanka has received international aid during major crises, including the 2004 Tsunami and various flood events.
Latest Developments
The recent floods and landslides have caused significant loss of life (390+) and widespread displacement (1.2 million+ affected). The international community, led by close neighbours like India, has responded with humanitarian assistance.
India has dispatched naval ships with relief materials, medical teams, and offered further support, demonstrating its 'Neighbourhood First' policy and its role as a first responder in the Indian Ocean Region. This crisis highlights the urgent need for robust disaster management strategies and regional cooperation.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the recent floods and landslides in Sri Lanka: 1. The primary cause of the recent devastating floods is the onset of the Southwest Monsoon, which brings heavy rainfall to the entire island. 2. Sri Lanka's central highlands, characterized by steep slopes and geological instability, are highly susceptible to landslides during intense rainfall. 3. The Bay of Bengal often influences the formation of low-pressure systems that can lead to torrential rains over Sri Lanka and the Indian subcontinent. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is incorrect. While Sri Lanka receives rainfall from both Southwest and Northeast monsoons, the recent floods are often attributed to inter-monsoon rains or low-pressure systems forming in the Bay of Bengal, not solely the Southwest Monsoon affecting the entire island. The Southwest Monsoon primarily impacts the western and southern parts. Statement 2 is correct; Sri Lanka's central highlands are indeed prone to landslides due to their topography and heavy rainfall. Statement 3 is correct; the Bay of Bengal is a major breeding ground for low-pressure systems and cyclones that frequently bring heavy rainfall to the region, including Sri Lanka.
2. In the context of India's humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) efforts, consider the following statements: 1. India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy prioritizes HADR operations in its immediate vicinity, often deploying assets like naval ships and medical teams. 2. The 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative primarily focuses on maritime security and counter-piracy operations, excluding HADR. 3. The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030) emphasizes a shift from disaster response to disaster risk reduction, with a focus on prevention and preparedness. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: C
Statement 1 is correct. India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy places a strong emphasis on providing assistance to its neighbours during crises, as seen in the recent aid to Sri Lanka. Statement 2 is incorrect. The 'SAGAR' initiative is a broader vision for maritime cooperation that explicitly includes HADR operations, alongside maritime security, economic cooperation, and capacity building. Statement 3 is correct. The Sendai Framework indeed marks a significant shift from managing disasters to managing disaster risk, focusing on prevention, mitigation, preparedness, and building resilience.
3. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding landslides and their management?
- A.Debris flow is a type of landslide characterized by rapid movement of a mixture of soil, rock, and water down a slope.
- B.Anthropogenic activities like deforestation and improper land-use planning can significantly increase the susceptibility of an area to landslides.
- C.Early warning systems for landslides primarily rely on detecting seismic activity and ground vibrations as the sole precursor to a collapse.
- D.Bioengineering techniques, such as planting vegetation, are effective in stabilizing slopes and reducing landslide risk.
Show Answer
Answer: C
Statement A is correct. Debris flow is a common and dangerous type of landslide. Statement B is correct. Human activities like cutting trees (deforestation) and unplanned construction destabilize slopes, making them more prone to landslides. Statement D is correct. Bioengineering, using plants and natural materials, helps bind soil and reduce erosion, thus stabilizing slopes. Statement C is NOT correct. While seismic sensors can be part of a comprehensive system, early warning systems for landslides primarily rely on monitoring rainfall intensity, soil moisture, ground deformation (using inclinometers, extensometers, GPS), and hydrological changes, rather than solely or primarily seismic activity, which is more characteristic of earthquake detection.
Source Articles
Cyclone Ditwah: International community pledges support as cyclone toll in Sri Lanka climbs to 390 - The Hindu
China pledges support to Sri Lanka at UNHRC session - The Hindu
Cyclone Ditwah: 334 dead, over 300 missing in Sri Lanka - The Hindu
As Sri Lanka pins hopes on IMF, China pledges more aid - The Hindu
Sirisena pledges faster reconciliation - The Hindu