CYCLONES THAT HIT CHENNAI OVER 100 YEARS.

Climate change is a global challenge that affects everyone, especially those living in coastal areas. One of the impacts of climate change is the increasing intensity and frequency of tropical cyclones, also known as hurricanes or typhoons. These powerful storms can cause devastating damage to lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure, as well as disrupt essential services and economic activities.

According to a recent study by NOAA, climate change has been influencing the locations of where tropical cyclones occur, with more storms hitting the North Atlantic and Central Pacific, and fewer storms affecting the western Pacific and the South Indian Ocean1. This is due to the combined effects of greenhouse gases, manmade aerosols, and volcanic eruptions, which alter the temperature and moisture of the atmosphere and the ocean1.

One of the regions that is highly vulnerable to tropical cyclones is Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu in southern India. Chennai has a long history of facing cyclones and floods, some of which have been catastrophic. Here is a timeline of some of the major cyclones that hit Chennai (formerly Madras) over a period of 100 years:

• 1903: A severe cyclone passed through Madras during the Indian National Congress session, causing heavy rains and floods2.
• 1918: A terrible cyclone of unusual fury struck Madras, leaving the public unprepared and causing widespread damage3.
• 1943: A cyclone brought torrential rain to Madras, disrupting train services and affecting the printing of newspapers4.
• 1976: A cyclone caused flooding in several parts of Madras, requiring the intervention of the Army to keep the Manali oil refinery running4.
• 1985: A cyclone caused the worst floods in Madras since 1943, forcing the then Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran to evacuate from his Ramavaram Garden house to the Connemara Hotel4.
• 1999: A cyclone caused heavy rainfall and strong winds in Chennai, resulting in power outages, traffic jams, and waterlogging5.
• 2005: A deep depression over the Bay of Bengal brought record-breaking rainfall to Chennai and northern Tamil Nadu, displacing thousands of people and damaging crops6.
• 2015: A series of depressions and storms, including Cyclone Nada, dumped unprecedented rainfall on Chennai and surrounding areas, causing the worst floods in a century, killing hundreds of people, and affecting millions more7.
• 2021: Cyclone Nivar made landfall near Mamallapuram, south of Chennai, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to the city and the coastal districts, disrupting transport, communication, and power supply8.

As we can see, Chennai has faced many challenges due to tropical cyclones and climate change. However, it has also shown remarkable resilience and solidarity in coping with these disasters. The people of Chennai have helped each other in times of crisis, and the government and civil society have taken steps to improve disaster preparedness and response. However, more needs to be done to reduce the risk and impact of future cyclones and floods, such as enhancing early warning systems, strengthening infrastructure, restoring natural ecosystems, and promoting climate adaptation and mitigation measures.

Climate change is not a distant threat, but a present reality. We need to act now to protect ourselves and our planet from its adverse effects. Let us join hands to fight climate change and build a safer and more sustainable future for Chennai and the world.