Kerala Declared Tidal Flooding a State-Specific Disaster

Kerala has declared tidal rise-induced coastal flooding that harms communities and causes loss of life and livelihood as a State-specific disaster.

• This is the first time in the country that a State has declared tidal flooding a State-specific disaster.
• Affected Areas: Along the Kerala coast, particularly in areas such as Vypin, Chellanam, Edakochi, and Perumbadappu in the Kochi Corporation, as well as Kumbalanghi panchayat.

About Tidal Flooding

• Tidal flooding refers to the temporary inundation of low-lying coastal areas when sea levels rise above the normal high tide level, even without heavy rainfall or cyclones.

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• • For example, along the coast of Kerala, temporary rises in the Arabian Sea level above a defined threshold frequently inundate low-lying areas.
• Cause: Tidal flooding happens when high tides combine with offshore storms, strong winds, and full moon cycles, causing a temporary rise in sea levels that overwhelms coastal drainage systems and leads to localized flooding.
• Sunny Day Flooding: It is commonly referred to as “sunny day flooding” or “king tide flooding” when it occurs during unusually high tidal events.
• Distinct from Cyclone-Induced Storm Surges: Unlike cyclone-induced storm surges, tidal flooding happens twice in a day and is more severe during full or new moons.
• Localised: It is generally very localized, occurring at a scale of city blocks.
• Statutory Provision: Under Section 2(d) of the Disaster Management Act, flooding caused by tidal rise can be treated as a disaster if it harms communities by causing loss of life, livelihood, or living conditions.
• Variation in Frequency: High-tide flood frequencies vary year-to-year due to large-scale changes in weather and ocean circulation patterns, such as during the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO).
  • For Example: During the El Niño phase, high-tide flood frequencies on the U.S. West and East Coasts were amplified above local trends at about half of the locations examined in a recent NOAA study.

Reasons for Coastal High-Tide Flooding in Kerala

• Unique Physiography: Kerala has distinct land use patterns and topography compared to other Indian States.
  • For Example: Parts of coastal plains in Alappuzha, especially the Kuttanad region, lie below sea level.
• Proximity to Sea Level: Cities like Kochi lie very close to mean sea level, increasing vulnerability to tidal ingress.
• Astronomical Tides: Spring tides during full and new moons cause unusually high tidal levels.
• Sea-Level Rise: Climate change-induced rise in the Arabian Sea worsens tidal flooding.
• Siltation of Rivers & Backwaters: Reduced depth limits drainage capacity, leading to water stagnation.

Implication of Declaring Tidal Flooding a State Specific Disaster

• Financial Assistance: Victims of floods caused by tidal rise will receive financial assistance on par with relief provided under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for natural disasters.

Impact of Tidal Flooding

• Worsening of Coastal Flooding: Heavy siltation and the reduced depth of rivers and lakes worsen coastal flooding beyond earlier levels.
• Salinity Intrusion: Seawater intrusion contaminates groundwater aquifers and agricultural land, reducing paddy and coconut yields in low-lying coastal regions such as Kuttanad.
• Increased Disaster Expenditure: Recurring tidal flooding requires relief and compensation under the Disaster Management Act, adding fiscal stress on State Disaster Response Funds.
• Livelihood Loss: Fisheries contribute significantly to coastal economies; tidal flooding disrupts fishing operations, damages nets and boats, and affects fish landing centres.
• Extent of Vulnerability: Around 10% of the State’s population is affected by high-tide flooding, with poor land-use planning leading to many houses being built in floodplains, along rivers, and on puramboke lands near water bodies.

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