Socio- economic and environmental impacts of landslide in Kegalle District in Sri Lanka: study based on selected areas.

Abstract

Landslides are one of the most important major disasters in our Country. Although the area under its jurisdiction is small, the impact on life, property and the environment is enormous. The Risk of Landslides is increasing due to high rainfall, Land use, Expansion of plantations and various human activities. Not only causes loss of life and property but also disrupts the Socio – Economic and Environmental structure. Landslides are more prevalent in the Central, Sabragamuwa and South Western regions. Kegalle District is facing landslide disasters every year. The country’s direct economic impact by landslides in the past has taught a bitter lesson. The objective of this study is to identify the Social, Economic and Ecological impacts of landslides. Questionnaires, direct observation and discussion were used as the primary data. Secondary data were collected from Divisional Secretariats reports, Disaster Management Projects and Research papers data. And data were analyzed using MS Excel, Arc GIS 10.3 Software. The social impacts identified as the loss of permanent habitat as a result of displacement, various losses, fear, stress, etc. As economic problems such as the loss of income strategies from small export Cultivation, loss of livelihoods, property damages, damage to infrastructure and terrain. Ecological impacts such as Soil Degradation, loss the Regional beauty, Terrain changes have been identified. So avoiding disasters through more public awareness and precautionary mechanisms is the best way to respond to future threats and impacts.