Abstract:
The entire world is becoming increasingly vulnerable to natural and man-made
disasters, causing vast destruction to every aspect of human life. Landslides are one of the
most common natural disasters in many countries around the world. Heavy rains, storms,
earthquakes, wildfires, and various human activities are major factors resulting in
widespread slope instability, the main cause of landslides.
Sri Lanka is no exception, and landslides are now becoming the most severe natural
threat in many parts of central hill country. During the last four decades, several major
landslides caused severe property damage and casualties. Relative to other recent major
natural disasters, including the 2004 tsunami, very little attention is being given by the
government and non-governmental organizations to landslide disasters, particularly in the
recovery and mitigation stages, which create economic and social problems in affected
communities.
The main focus of this study was the 2007 landslides in Hanguranketha and Walapone
divisional secretariats in the Nuwara Eliya District. The investigation centered on the
present economic and social situation of the people who were displaced from their home
villages and moved to new villages constructed by the government. Most of the victims
lived in temporary shelters for more than a year with minimum facilities. The research
team studied how government and non-governmental organizations responded during the
recovery, rehabilitation, and mitigation stages. Using interviews, the team spoke with
survivors living in resettled villages about their socio-economic conditions during the pre and post disaster periods.
Infrastructure facilities of these new settlements are in poor condition and remain
unfinished. Most of the displaced people have lost their livelihoods, primarily their
agricultural lands, and are now facing grave economic and social problems. The results
indicate that the affected people continue to live under very poor conditions in terms of
housing, occupation, income, health, infrastructure, and other physical and socio-cultural
facilities. Geography of the area, poor planning, and lack of funds for proper recovery and
mitigation strategies are the major barriers for improving the living conditions of people
affected by these landslides.
