Question

"Geographical features of Kerala and undesired human intervention increased the intensity of floods that came last year". In view of this statement, review the geographical factors responsible for the flood in Kerala.

Answer 1

Approach:

1. Discuss the topography of Kerala.
2. Mention about the intensity of the precipitation.
3. Role of silt and clay in flood situations.
4. The combined force of the human and natural factors.
5. Provide a befitting conclusion.

The topography of Kerala:
The state of Kerala consists of rugged topography of the western ghats, narrow coastal plains and the Malabar coast. The region contains a number of river systems rising from the western ghats and flowing down the slope of the steep gradients. In addition, there are a number of artificial reservoirs along the paths of the river whose maintenance issues amplified the flood in the state.

Geographical Factors:
Heavy Precipitation: Kerala received heavy monsoon rains which was 75% more than the average monsoon rainfall it receives. Due to this most of the reservoirs in Kerala attained their full capacity. This amplified the worse condition as the rain continued which led to the release of water from most of the dams at the same time.

Steep slopes: Most of the rivers in Kerala flows down the steep slopes of the western ghats which increases their erosion capacity. The eroded materials in the downstream led to the swelling of rivers.

Siltation of the rivers: The heavy siltation of the rivers in the region reduces the water carrying capacity of the rivers. This makes the rivers to cross their limits and resulting in Floods.

The reverse flow of rivers: The heavy water flow in main channels caused water to enter the minor streams in the form of reverse flow. This increased the area affected by the flood.

Anthropogenic Factor:

• Unplanned development activity
• Mining and quarrying in the sensitive zones
• Improper handling of the water release from the reservoirs
• Deforestation in the western ghats

Conclusion:
The natural calamities are amplified into catastrophe due to anthropogenic activities. The human cannot prevent natural calamities, but he can take measures to reduce the damage due to it. The Ecosensitive zones in the western ghats have to be strictly demarcated and all activities in those zones should be regulated. This can reduce the degree of damage caused due to natural calamities in the future.