Attachments
This report contains the compilation of the JDNA Actions post floods in the state of Tamilnadu, India in the aftermath of the incessant rains and the subsequent embankment breaches which caused massive floods in first week of December 2015 affecting entire Chennai City, many parts of District Cuddalore, Kancheepuram and Vilupuram and Thiruvalur.
1. Executive Summary
Heavy rain over the past four weeks has caused severe flooding in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. A deep tropical depression came through the Bay of Bengal and hit the south-eastern coast of India and Sri Lanka on 10-11 November 2015, causing heavy rain. Heavy rain resumed during Nov 16-19, with 30-37 cm of rain accumulating over the 9-day period. After pausing for several days, heavy rains have resumed in early December and in some locations rain is projected to continue until 8-10 December. Chennai received over 33 cm of rain in a 24-hour period from December 1-2, causing widespread flooding and damage. In Tamil Nadu, Chennai city, Cuddalore, Kanchipuram, and Tiruvallur districts are worst affected. Reports are estimating 347 people have lost their lives in Tamil Nadu which can be more.
Chennai a National Disaster zone, and National Disaster Response Force carried out rescue operations in the city. Severe flooding on December 2 and 3 wreaked havoc, with large parts of the city under water.
The rains and subsequent overflow of the Adyar River and Cooum River had caused severe flooding and extensive evacuations in Chennai and surrounding areas, as well as significant damage to homes and surrounding farm fields. Road access had been cut off in several districts, and the runway at Chennai airport is flooded and had been closed for 3 days. Flooded roads made difficult to reach affected areas. 432 relief camps have opened in 3 highly affected districts outside of Chennai city, with approximately 72,000 people evacuated to the camps. The government has carried out evacuations in some highly affected areas.