The severe floods that affected the south Indian state of Kerala in August 2018 were the result of unusually high rainfall during the monsoon season. It was the worst flood in Kerala in nearly a century, claiming the lives of over 483 people and leaving 15 missing. The floods also resulted in the evacuation of approximately one million people from various districts across the state. Several factors contributed to the magnitude of the floods. The southwest monsoon in Kerala that year was 23% excess, with August experiencing rainfall 96% above normal. Heavy rainfall in the state caused dams to fill to their maximum capacities, leading to the opening of 35 out of the 54 dams, including the Idukki Dam and the Malampuzha dam. Landslides in hilly districts further exacerbated the situation. Independent scientific studies conducted by experts concluded that the floods were primarily caused by the heavy downpour and dam management, rather than the release of water from dams.
The impact of the floods was devastating. Over 489 people lost their lives, with 15 still missing and 140 hospitalized. Thousands of homes were damaged or destroyed, and an estimated 10,000 kilometers of roads were affected. Cochin International Airport, one of India's busiest airports, had to suspend operations due to runway flooding. Schools were closed, and tourists were discouraged from visiting certain districts for safety reasons. The flooding also disrupted water supply, leaving many people without access to clean water. Rescue and relief operations were launched by the government at both the central and state levels. The Indian government deployed helicopters, aircraft, boats, and rescue teams to assist in evacuations and provide relief supplies. Fishermen played a crucial role in the rescue operations, with thousands of fishermen and their boats participating in the efforts. The government set up relief camps to accommodate the flood victims, and various organizations and individuals provided financial aid and support.
The Kerala floods of 2018 highlighted the need for improved dam management and disaster preparedness. A report by an amicus curiae appointed by the Kerala High Court criticized the dam management practices and called for a review of reservoir operations. The government of Kerala argued that the sudden release of water from the Mullaperiyar Dam by the Tamil Nadu government worsened the flooding, while Tamil Nadu maintained that Kerala suffered due to excessive rainfall within the state. The floods in Kerala served as a reminder of the potential impacts of climate change. While it is difficult to attribute any single event to climate change, its possible role in causing heavy rainfall in Kerala cannot be ruled out. The floods prompted discussions on the importance of climate adaptation and mitigation measures to minimize the impacts of extreme weather events.
Overall, the 2018 floods in Kerala were a tragic event that resulted in significant loss of life, infrastructure damage, and displacement of people. The disaster highlighted the need for improved disaster management strategies, including better dam management, early warning systems, and climate resilience measures.
