EVALUATION OF FLOOD DETERMINANTS: EVIDENCE FROM KELANI RIVER IN SRI LANKA

Abstract

Floods are one of the meteorological occurrences that commonly record as serious catastrophic natural hazard in the world. Flooding ranks among the most devastating types of natural catastrophe in Sri Lanka. A well-known spot in the country for repeated floods may be found along the banks of one major river, the ‘Kelani,' with incredible damages recorded for the human lives and property in the Kaduwela Municipal Council boundaries. Therefore, it is timely requirement for identification of determinants on the recurrent flooding in the area. This research aims to analyze the determinants of flooding based on Kelani River, in Kaduwela Municipal Council limits, focusing on both natural and man-made factors. The research was conducted within the mixed method approach. Sixty households were chosen by systematic random selection to reflect the most vulnerable Grama Niladari divisions, and the data was collected using a structured questionnaire by considering ten determinants and indepth interviews with five experts. Collected data were analyzed using mean value analysis and content analysis to achieve the research objective. The findings revealed that man-made factors are the most affected factors for flooding in the area. Among them, the findings of both analyses indicated that the most significant reasons were non-availability of proper drainage system and violating the existing rules and regulation in the area. The study recommended, the necessity to implement adaptation measures and policies to minimize the flood risk of the area to achieve urban sustainability.

Keywords: Flood Determinants, Flood Risk, Man- made Factors, Natural Factors