Application of the Disaster Management Cycle: A case study of the Meeriyabedda Landslide in Badulla district, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Disasters are sudden, high-impact events that disrupt ecological systems, displace populations, and damage infrastructure. Effective mitigation and recovery require a systematic application of the disaster management cycle, encompassing pre-disaster, during disaster, and post-disaster phases—namely, mitigation, preparedness, emergency response, and recovery. In Sri Lanka, literature addressing the integration of all stages remains limited, resulting in insufficient empirical evidence on the effectiveness of full-cycle application and a lack of practical resources for disaster management personnel. This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of the disaster management cycle as implemented during the 2014 Meeriyabedda landslide in the Badulla District—one of the most significant landslide events in Sri Lanka. Pre-disaster interventions included land use regulation, hazard mapping, early warning systems, and risk monitoring. Immediate response actions involved evacuations to temporary shelters and coordinated relief provided by governmental bodies, NGOs, and community volunteers. Post-disaster efforts focused on resettlement, rehabilitation of affected families, and support systems for orphaned children. Findings highlight the partial effectiveness of implemented strategies but also reveal gaps, particularly in community participation, sustainable land-use planning, and institutional readiness. The analysis underscores the need for enhanced government leadership, expanded public education, and the integration of scientific research into disaster policies. This case study affirms that comprehensive, phase-by-phase implementation and evaluation of the disaster management cycle is essential for reducing vulnerability and building resilience in hazard-prone areas. The insights drawn from the Meeriyabedda experience offer a replicable model for holistic disaster risk reduction across Sri Lanka and similar contexts.