From Sumatra to Sri Lanka: How Fast Can We Respond to a Tsunami?

COLOMBO (News 1st); A comprehensive tsunami preparedness program was held today at the Disaster Management Centre, aimed at strengthening Sri Lanka’s readiness for potential coastal disasters.

Speaking during the session, Retired Major General Sampath Kotuwegoda, Director General of the Disaster Management Centre, explained the critical timelines involved in responding to a tsunami threat.

“If an earthquake occurs near the Sumatra islands and triggers a tsunami, it would take approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes for the waves to reach Sri Lanka,” he said.

Kotuwegoda further noted that Tsunami Service Providers in Australia, India, and Indonesia play a key role in verifying the authenticity and magnitude of such events. “They require about 40 minutes to confirm whether it is a real tsunami situation and determine its magnitude,” he added.

This means Sri Lanka would have roughly 40 minutes to evacuate vulnerable coastal communities once the warning is verified. 

“We must act swiftly within that window to ensure public safety,” Kotuwegoda emphasized.