Rapid assessment of the tsunami's impact on livelihoods in affected areas in Sri Lanka
In January 2005 the International Labour Office carried out a rapid initial assessment of the livelihood and labour market situation in the tsunami affected areas so as to quantify the lost productive assets and jobs, the situation of households’ livelihoods and the resources needed for rehabilitation. This rapid initial assessment consisted of desk estimates of the extent of job losses and needs for income transfers and social protection, a survey of 1,627 households in affected areas and structured interview with 70 local key informants. The households’ survey, carried out jointly with the World Food Programme, covered respondents from households in 8 of the most affected districts. Households in camps, affected but still at home, and displaced with friends and families were included. 40% of the respondents were women. Interviews with the local key informants from affected areas captured gender aspects, infrastructure, role of communities, size of businesses, not covered in the household survey.
The purpose was not to have an overall assessment of the tidal wave’s impact as such, but to ensure that the government’s response to the restoration of livelihood restoration is well targeted and properly prioritised, based on verified data. The information obtained contributes to the formulation of short-term relief and rehabilitation measures (for the next 6 months) and to identify key issues for mid- and long- term restoration of livelihoods (identified in more detail through further research), the impact of which can then be measured in subsequent assessments.