The Phoenix State - Documentary on Kerala Floods | CPC | Gilbert

Key Concepts:

• Kerala Floods 2018: Unprecedented rainfall, dam management, rescue operations, community involvement, environmental impact, and recovery efforts.
• Monsoon Depression: Formation over Bay of Bengal and its impact on rainfall.
• Dam Management: Operation of dams for flood control versus power generation.
• Rescue Operations: Involvement of Navy, Coast Guard, NDRF, fishermen, and local communities.
• Relief Efforts: Collection, distribution, and transportation of supplies.
• Environmental Impact: Encroachment on natural runoff paths and wetlands.
• Reconstruction: Efforts to rebuild homes and infrastructure.

1. Overview of the Kerala Floods 2018

• Kerala typically receives high rainfall during the monsoon season, averaging around 3000 mm annually, with June and July being the dominant months.
• In August 2018, Kerala experienced unprecedented rainfall leading to severe floods across the state.
• 13 out of 14 districts were severely flooded.
• The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reported 2346.3 mm of rainfall, 42% above normal.
• The extreme rainfall in August was unusual, as historically, the probability of such high rainfall in August is very limited.

2. Causes of the Extreme Rainfall

• The extreme rainfall was primarily due to the formation of monsoon depressions over the Bay of Bengal.
• These depressions moved west-northwestward over coastal Odisha and neighboring areas.
• Moist Southwest monsoon winds increased in speed and hit the Western Ghats, forming rain-bearing clouds.
• The already saturated land resulted in landslides.
• Kerala received 758.6 mm of rainfall between August 1st and 19th, compared to the average of 287.6 mm.

3. Dam Management and its Impact

• On August 1st, dams in the Idukki district reached their maximum level.
• Frequent landslides were reported in Kozhikode and Wayanad.
• Floodgates of 22 dams were opened, exacerbating the flooding.
• Idukki district received 100% excess rainfall compared to normal.
• The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) expected water levels in the Idukki dam to reach 2400 feet (full capacity) within 10 days.
• The purpose of flood control reservoirs is to store water and release it in a controlled manner to prevent downstream flooding.
• The decision to open the Idukki dam was taken on August 9th after reaching a critical level.

4. Rescue and Relief Operations

• HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) assistance was requisitioned from the Indian Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Navy.
• Public loudspeaker announcements were made urging people to move to safer places.
• The Hill District of Wayanad was isolated due to the flooding of the Panamaram river and its tributaries.
• Close to 300 families were shifted to relief camps.
• The opening of dam shutters in various districts, including Idukki, Wayanad, and Palakkad, worsened the situation.

5. Community Involvement and Humanitarian Efforts

• People moved to relief camps after their houses were inundated.
• Despite losing their life savings, people displayed humanitarian spirit and helped each other.
• Locals, along with the army, were actively involved in search-and-rescue operations.
• The Indian Navy, Coast Guard, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police were deployed.
• The Navy cadets volunteered and identified an emergency requirement of 10,000 units of relief materials.
• Social media was used to spread messages of help and coordinate rescue efforts.

6. Role of Fishermen

• The fisher folk community played a crucial role in rescue operations.
• 642 boats were deployed, and around 288 fishermen were involved.
• They reached remote areas inaccessible by the Navy and helicopters.
• Their efforts saved the lives of more than 65,000 people.
• Fishermen volunteered after the government ran short of boats and the military lacked local knowledge.

7. Impact and Aftermath

• The floods disrupted life, livelihood, and infrastructure.
• 50,000 houses were destroyed.
• Nearly 34,000 people were shifted to relief camps.
• Volunteers arranged shelter and food facilities.
• 34,732 roads were damaged, and 218 bridges were washed away.
• Crops on over 56,000 hectares of land were lost.
• The preliminary estimate of the damage was around 20,000 crores.
• More than 410 people died, and 1 million people were left homeless.

8. Environmental Factors and Urban Planning

• Lack of interconnected sewers increased the possibility of floods in urban settlements.
• Encroachment on natural runoff paths and wetlands caused water levels to rise.
• Studies showed that encroaching on natural runoff paths increases pressure in adjoining paths, leading to flooding.
• The lack of time-bound activities in rainfall prediction was evident.

9. Reconstruction and Lessons Learned

• Kerala began to resurrect from the ashes, with people from all backgrounds joining hands.
• Cleaning processes took off, and the government provided support.
• The importance of balancing development with environmental protection was emphasized.
• The need for controlled development to minimize disturbance to nature was highlighted.

10. Conclusion

The Kerala floods of 2018 were a devastating event caused by unprecedented rainfall and exacerbated by dam management practices and environmental factors. The disaster highlighted the importance of community involvement, effective rescue operations, and sustainable development. The recovery efforts demonstrated the resilience and unity of the people of Kerala, emphasizing the need to learn from the disaster and prioritize environmental protection in future planning.