Lethal interplay of severe weather with persistent environment neglect: Kerala floods

Devastating impact of severe weather got exacerbated when the harsh weather conditions and environment neglect met at the crossroads (as mentioned in the report given by a committee chaired by ecologist Madhav Gadgil) in the state of Kerala. Flash floods during monsoons are very common in the coastal states like Kerala- a state with unique geographical variations. The main reasons attributed for such cataclysmic floods in the state are high-intensity rainfall, unplanned reservoir regulation and failure of flood control structures. The incidence of floods in India has been going up in the past three to four decades amounting to huge loss of life and property and such rise in extreme weather events raises concern over climate change impact. This paper examines the underlying causes behind the fury of nature in the state, its impact and the lessons Indians need to learn for reducing flood risk and building resilience as this is not the first and the last time the country got hit by floods. Kerala floods depict that Indians need to rethink their living with water as the nation is highly vulnerable owing to its diverse geographical variations. A fresh approach needs to be adopted to address flood risk by making use of more sustainable solutions that work in harmony with environment on one hand and provides benefits to the local community as well as economy on the other. Such tragedies could be avoided or mitigated through better preparedness to deal with unforeseen situation, which is to be ensured by the disaster management authority.