Eleventh International Conference on Climate Change: Impacts & Responses

Abstract

Abnormally heavy monsoon rains associated with unusual cyclonic activity in the month of August 2018 resulted in the worst flood in history in the Indian coastal state of Kerala that led to hundreds of deaths and displacement of over 300,000 people. Thousands of people became homeless overnight and it may take at least a decade to return to previous position. Human impact on the environment worsened the impact of flood. Deforestation, encroachment for tourism development and residential purposes and mining activities in the ecologically sensitive regions in the Western Ghats Mountain where the 44 rivers in the State originate resulted in widespread landslides. Sand quarrying in rivers and watersheds and riverbank agriculture led to large scale erosion and deposition in lower reaches that added to the severity of flood. Casualties were largely due to the inefficiency in dam management and non-coordination of various government departments. All dams were released without proper warning when the rivers were already flooded. The state now witnesses serious health issues. Water-borne and vector-borne diseases are spreading fast. Leptospirosis has already killed two dozen people since the floodwater receded. Present study analyses the hydrometeorological factors and role of human impact on the environment in creating the severe flood and the impact of flood on various sectors in Kerala. Existing policies and management strategies have been critically reviewed to suggest better adaptation strategies.