Utilization of technology to create awareness and preparedness prior to disasters

Information dissemination became a key necessity, due to the increase in rainfall around the country, since August 2019. Flood, landslide and lightning warnings were issued by the relevant ministerial authorities for immediate circulation. An effective method of dissemination was developed by A-PAD SL via WhatsApp. These warnings were distributed in all the local languages to a large group of stakeholders to better prepare themselves prior to the occurrence of disasters. The technological mode of transmitting alerts is being viewed as a significant step in efficient and effective disaster management on a wider reach basis.