Now Reading: Kerala declares tidal flooding a State-specific disaster for first time
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Kerala declares tidal flooding a State-specific disaster for first time
Kerala declares tidal flooding a State-specific disaster for first time
Kerala has become the first state in India to declare tidal flooding a State-specific disaster, a government order issued on February 17, 2026, said. The order allows financial assistance from the State Disaster Response Fund to be given to victims of floods caused by tidal rise, similar to assistance for natural disasters. The decision affects coastal communities in areas such as Vypin, Chellanam, Edakochi, Perumbadappu, and Kumbalanghi.
Tidal flooding occurs when the Arabian Sea level temporarily rises above a threshold, inundating low-lying coastal areas. Unlike cyclone-induced storm surges, tidal flooding happens twice a day and is more severe during full or new moons. The problem worsens when coastal storms coincide with high tides or spring tides, affecting the coastline of Kerala's nine coastal districts.
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Kerala has long faced chronic coastal erosion and tidal ingress, but existing disaster frameworks did not cover routine tidal flooding because it is not a sudden-onset event like a cyclone or tsunami. By classifying it as a State-specific disaster, the government unlocks SDRF funds for relief without waiting for a central declaration. The nine affected districts are home to lakhs of fishers and coastal residents who lose property and livelihoods with every high tide. The next test will be the southwest monsoon from June 2026, when high tides and storm surges typically peak. If the state's compensation mechanism works efficiently, other coastal states like Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu may follow with similar notifications.
Source: thehindu.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Methodology and corrections.
