Chennai Floods: Impact and Preparedness Amid Major Rainfall
Introduction
Mumbai, like many cities during monsoon, faces significant challenges with high tides, bad roads, and an outdated drainage system. However, the situation in Mira Road, where I reside, is quite different; it does not experience flooding due to its well-maintained greenery and effective water management. The recent heavy rains in Chennai, on the other hand, have led to significant flooding, reinforcing the importance of efficient drainage and government preparedness.
Chennai's Water Management Challenges
Every flood season brings with it the same pattern of blame. It is tempting to point fingers at nature for the ensuing chaos, but the responsibility often lies with the government and municipal bodies. In Chennai, the inadequacy of the drainage system has been a consistent issue, leading to flood conditions. According to Nishant Jain, if drains and nallas (sullies) are not maintained, streets will inevitably flood. This is a familiar refrain after every monsoon season, but the current situation in Chennai underscores the urgent need for better water management practices.
Comparison with Previous Years and Today's Conditions
This year, the rainfall in Chennai is more severe, with heavy downpours recorded in various areas. Despite the challenges, Niranjan Ji points out that the situation is not as dire as the 2015 floods. With advancements in technology, such as Jio and other internet service providers, individuals like Niranjan are better equipped to navigate the challenges of power fluctuations and internet connectivity issues, which are essential for managing daily routines, especially for those working outside the home.
Local Conditions and Photos
Personally, I live in south Chennai, an area that experiences flooding during the rainy season. Over the weekend, there was continuous rainfall, with 13 cm recorded in Perungudi. Today, I ventured out to take some photos, which capture the current conditions. The Velacheri main road, for instance, has shown significant improvement due to the continuous removal of garbage by motorized vehicles, which has kept the drainage channels clear. In contrast, Theynampet, the central part of Chennai, faced some issues due to a lack of interaction between the civic authority and offices.
Driving Lessons and Data from Meteorologists
Before heading to north Chennai, where the rainfall was reported to be 23 cm, my driver advised me to stay back due to the high risk of flooding. Upon returning home, I documented the conditions. These photos, taken from my terrace, show the extent of waterlogging. While the taxi was out of commission, the situation was reminiscent of Venice, emphasizing the symbolic flooding that can occur in major cities.
Visualization of Rainfall Data
For a more detailed perspective, data from the Tamil Nadu Weather Monitoring (TWM) Page on Facebook sheds light on the rainfall in Chennai. The statistics indicate that Chennai has seen a significant amount of rainfall, surpassing its usual levels, and is well-placed to experience another surplus rainfall year if conditions persist.
Conclusions and Solutions
Chennai has not been short of rainfall in the last seven years; three of those years have seen surplus rainfall, and only one has recorded a deficit. Despite this, the city continues to grapple with water management issues. The current rainfall season has brought to light the need for better drainage systems, improved civic cooperation, and technology-supported solutions to manage the water resources effectively. As we move forward, investing in rainwater harvesting projects, maintenance of drains, and community awareness can help mitigate the issues that arise during monsoon seasons.
It is clear that while nature plays a significant role in flooding, the response and preparedness of political and civic bodies are critical. By working together and leveraging modern technology, we can ensure that future monsoon seasons do not bring such devastating effects to the city.