KERALA DECLARES TIDAL FLOODING A STATE-SPECIFIC DISASTER

NEWS: The Government of Kerala has declared tidal flooding caused by sea-level rise and high tides as a “State-specific disaster.”

Tidal floods

• Also known as “sunny day” or nuisance flooding
• Temporary inundation of low-lying coastal land, roads, and infrastructure during exceptionally high tides, such as full or new moons, rather than from storm surge or heavy rain.
• Occur in coastal cities and low-lying areas, often during calm, sunny weather.
• Primarily driven by high tides (often called “king tides”), butà intensified by rising sea levels and, in some cases, distant storms.
• Cause significant disruption by flooding roads, overwhelming storm drains, and damaging infrastructure.
• Increasing in frequencyàclimate change-induced sea-level rise.

Tidal Flooding in Kerala

• Tidal flooding along Kerala’s coastline is a recurring phenomenonà level of the Arabian Sea temporarily rises above a defined threshold= inundation of low-lying coastal areas.
• Tidal flooding:
  • Occurs twice daily due to regular tidal cycles.
  • Intensifies during full moon and new moon phases (spring tides).
  • Becomes more severe when high tides coincide with coastal storms and adverse meteorological conditions.

A State-Specific Disaster

• The SDRF provides assistance for disasters arising from extreme or unforeseen events
• Section 2(d) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005àdefines a disaster as a catastrophe or natural phenomenon that causes substantial loss of life, property, or livelihood and disrupts community life.
• Keralaàoperationalized a legal mechanism to extend financial relief to victims, thereby addressing a long-standing policy gap.