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World Bank and global experts to assess Ditwah impact
View(s):By Ishu Bandara
Several international teams, including a group from the World Bank, are expected to arrive in Sri Lanka in the coming days to carry out comprehensive assessments of the overall impact of Cyclone Ditwah on the country.
Disaster Management Centre (DMC) Director General Major General (Retd.) Sampath Kotuwegoda told the Sunday Times that the Finance Ministry is taking the lead role in the country’s rebuilding process, while the DMC is actively engaged in assessing the damage and the overall impact of the disaster.
He said rapid assessments have already been carried out and that the World Bank, along with several other international organisations, will collaborate with the DMC in the next phase of assessments.
“Through these joint assessments, the extent and cost of the damage will be identified, based on which plans will be formulated to mitigate the impact of disasters and rebuild the country. With the use of new technology, these assessments can be completed within two to three weeks,” he said.
Maj. Gen. Kotuwegoda said Sri Lanka planned to use GRADE (Global Rapid Damage Estimate), the latest World Bank assessment tool that enables the user to obtain preliminary estimates of damage, losses, and casualties within two weeks of a disaster.
“The methodology combines advanced modelling techniques with satellite imagery, census data, and information drawn from social media to generate rapid and comprehensive assessments,” the DG said.
The Sunday Times learns that a World Bank team is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka within the coming week, while several other international organisations will also join the assessment process.
Sri Lanka will partner with multiple organisations, including the World Bank, to carry out these assessments, which will be conducted as a joint international effort to accelerate the national rebuilding programme.
Meanwhile, some foreign specialist teams have already arrived in Sri Lanka. The Italian government has sent a seven-member expert team through the European Union. Its work is coordinated by the Disaster Management Centre.
The team inspected the Peradeniya Railway Bridge on December 13 and is expected to submit a technical assessment and expert recommendations. The team will also survey other damaged bridges and road networks during its stay in the country.
Germany and Switzerland have also deployed water purification and sanitation teams, consisting of seven members each. Similarly, more foreign teams equipped with advanced technology are arriving to support the assessment process.
Meanwhile, the European Union has appointed a representative to coordinate activities with the DMC, identify urgent requirements, and facilitate assistance through the EU. The representative arrived at the DMC office yesterday morning.
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