Tamil Nadu only second to West Bengal in worst hit natural calamity states

Chennai, Dec 4: When it comes to losses due to natural disasters, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal top the list. A home ministry report states that both these states account for nearly 30 per cent of deaths in the country due to natural calamities.

While evaluating the loss of property, both states together account for 75 per cent the report also states.

In the case of Tamil Nadu the loss of life and property has been on the increase. In the year 2012-13, there were 15 deaths reported due to natural calamity.

The report states that 5,000 houses were destroyed that year. The Home Ministry while preparing this data took into consideration natural calamities such as cyclonic storms, landslides, earthquakes and rainfall.

In the case of West Bengal the loss of life and property due to natural calamities too has been rising. In 2014-15 West Bengal witnessed 169 deaths and 3,300 houses were destroyed.

In 2015-16, the number of houses destroyed went up to nearly 8 lakh while the loss of lives reported was at 193, according to the Ministry for Home Affairs.

Various aspects have been attributed to such a large loss of life and property due to natural calamities. Experts say that the recommendations of the National Disaster Management Authority have to be implemented or else the future could have worse to offer.

In Chennai 5,550 hectares of wetlands in Velachery, Pallikaranai and Old Mahabalipuram Road are today commercial hubs. When there are concrete structures on wetlands, there is no place for the water to go, but flow into the city.

Experts say that there is an urgent need to cut down on construction. There is a lot of damage that has already been done, but in future the authorities could take more care, experts would also point out.

The lowlands cannot continue to fill up without proper planning. There needs to be more space for stormwater to drain and the government must take all measures to stop encroachment.

OneIndia News