Navigating the Aftermath: A Closer Look at the Chennai Flood Crisis

The recent floods in Chennai has left the entire Tamil Nadu in a state of devastation. According to the Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority (TNSDMA), the Chennai District witnessed an astonishing 400mm of average rainfall in just two days, ranging from 8:30 am on December 3rd for two consecitive days until the 5th. Shockingly, amongst the 43 areas in the city, only four recorded rainfall below 150mm. Cyclone Michaung, which gave rise to these floods, is a tropical cyclone that intensified in the Bay of Bengal during the 2023 North Indian Ocean cyclone season.

Michaung began as a low-pressure area in the Gulf of Thailand, converging into the Bay of Bengal and developing into a deep depression on December 2nd. Evolving into a cyclonic storm, it traversed across Southeast India, impacting several states, including Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The cyclone has had a profound effect on numerous Indian communities.

The inundations are due to various factors: rapid urbanization obstructing river flows, thus impeding the diversion of rainwater from populated regions. Unchecked encroachments additionally diminish the capacity of marshes to retain water, intensifying the devastating impact on nearby human settlements. 

In response to these challenges, the Greater Chennai Corporation and the water resources department are planning to implement a pipe-drainage system. This system will include pipes at 15 locations equipped with shutters and permanent pumps to channel water from Buckingham Canal to the sea at Kovalam. Individual households can also play a role in preventing future flooding by installing borewells with slotted casing, allowing for the utilization of both shallow and deep aquifers. The Central Water Commission of the Union Ministry recommends the establishment of dam inflow forecasting systems by the water resources department to ensure more controlled and efficient water release from reservoirs.

Considering the inevitability of more frequent and intense extreme rainfall events due to climate change and rising sea levels, proactive measures are crucial. Individuals can contribute by supporting initiatives such as the Chennai Flood Relief Fund and other long-term flood relief efforts. Your contribution can make a meaningful difference in aiding the affected communities in their recovery and building resilience for the future.

By Laasya Savio and Varun Ravi