Kerala Underwater: The Devastating Floods of 2018

Kerala Floods 2018

The Kerala floods of 2018 were a series of devastating floods that hit the southern Indian state of Kerala in August 2018. The floods were caused by heavy rainfall, which was 42% higher than normal, and overflowing rivers and dams. The floods affected all 14 districts of the state, with some of the worst affected areas being Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Wayanad. The floods lasted for over a month and resulted in the displacement of over 1 million people and the loss of over 483 lives. Thousands of houses and buildings were damaged or destroyed, and the floods caused massive economic losses, estimated to be over $3 billion.

The floods had a devastating impact on the people of Kerala, and the response to the floods was massive. The Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force were all mobilized to help with rescue and relief efforts. The Kerala government launched a massive relief operation, providing food, shelter, and medical assistance to those affected. Civil society organizations, NGOs, and private companies all came forward to provide donations and support. The government set up relief camps and distribution centers to provide aid to those affected.

The Kerala floods of 2018 were one of the worst natural disasters to hit the state in recent memory. The floods provided several lessons for the government and people of India, including the need for better water management practices, disaster preparedness and response, and community engagement. The response to the floods was also a testament to the resilience and generosity of the Indian people, and it gave hope and strength to those affected by the floods.

 The Devastating Floods of 2018

Causes of the Floods:

• Heavy rainfall: Kerala received an unusually high amount of rainfall between June and August 2018. According to the India Meteorological Department, the state received 42% more rainfall than usual during this period.

• Overfilled dams: The dams in Kerala were already at high levels before the rainfall started. The heavy rainfall led to the overfilling of the dams, which in turn led to the release of excess water and flooding of downstream areas.

• Deforestation: The rapid pace of deforestation in the Western Ghats, the mountain range that runs along the western coast of India, has made the region more vulnerable to landslides and floods. Deforestation also reduces the ability of the soil to absorb and retain water, leading to more surface runoff and flooding.

• Encroachment of floodplains: Many people have built houses and other structures in floodplains, which are areas that are naturally prone to flooding. This has reduced the natural capacity of these areas to absorb excess water, leading to more flooding.

• Climate change: While it is difficult to attribute any specific weather event to climate change, it is widely acknowledged that global warming is leading to more extreme weather events. The higher temperatures and increased moisture in the atmosphere can lead to more intense rainfall, which can increase the likelihood of flooding.

Causes of Kerala Floods 2018

Impact of the Floods:

• Loss of lives and displacement of people: The floods led to the loss of over 483 lives and the displacement of over 1 million people. Many people lost their homes, belongings, and loved ones, and had to take shelter in relief camps.

• Damage to infrastructure: The floods caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, buildings, and public utilities like power and water supply systems. The damage to infrastructure was estimated to be over $3 billion.

• Economic losses: The floods caused massive economic losses to the state, particularly in the agriculture, tourism, and small business sectors. The losses were estimated to be over $2.7 billion.

• Environmental damage: The floods caused significant damage to the environment, including soil erosion, deforestation, and contamination of water sources. The floods also led to the displacement of wildlife, particularly in the forests and national parks of the state.

• Psychological impact: The floods had a profound psychological impact on the people of Kerala, particularly on those who lost their homes or loved ones. Many people suffered from trauma, depression, and anxiety in the aftermath of the floods.

Impacts of the Floods

Response to the Floods:

• Government response: The Kerala government launched a massive relief operation, with the Chief Minister setting up a control room to coordinate rescue and relief efforts. The government also set up relief camps, distribution centers, and medical camps to provide aid to those affected.

• Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force: The Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force were all mobilized to assist in rescue and relief efforts, with helicopters and boats being used to reach areas that were inaccessible by road.

• NGOs and Civil Society organizations: A large number of NGOs and civil society organizations came forward to provide donations, volunteers, and support. Some of the organizations that played a key role in the response to the floods include the Indian Red Cross Society, the Catholic Church, and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad.

• Private companies: Several private companies, including telecom operators, airlines, and e-commerce platforms, also contributed to the relief efforts by providing donations, free services, and logistical support.

• Community participation: The response to the floods also saw a massive outpouring of support from ordinary citizens, with people from all walks of life volunteering to help with relief efforts. The community played a crucial role in providing food, shelter, and medical aid to those affected by the floods.

Response to Kerala Floods

Lessons Learned:

The Kerala floods of 2018 provided several lessons for the government and the people of India. Some of the key lessons learned include:

• The need for better water management practices, including better regulation of dams and rivers

• The importance of disaster preparedness and response, including the need for better warning systems and emergency response plans

• The need for better urban planning and development, including the need to consider the impact of development on natural systems

• The importance of community engagement and participation in disaster response and recovery efforts.

Roads Submerged Under Water

Conclusion:

The Kerala floods of 2018 were a devastating natural disaster that had a significant impact on the state, its people, and its economy. The floods led to the loss of lives, displacement of people, damage to infrastructure, and significant economic losses. However, the response to the floods was massive, with the government, civil society organizations, NGOs, and private companies all coming together to provide relief and aid to those affected.

Despite the devastation caused by the floods, the response also highlighted the resilience and solidarity of the people of Kerala. The floods brought out the best in people, with individuals and organizations across India and the world coming forward to provide support and aid to those affected. The response also emphasized the importance of disaster preparedness and the need for better infrastructure and response mechanisms to deal with natural disasters.