Kerala Declares Tidal Flooding a ‘State-Specific Disaster’ | 21 Feb 2026

Why in News?

In a pioneering move for climate-sensitive policy, the Kerala government recently declared tidal flooding (sea incursion during high tides) as a State-Specific Disaster. 

Key Points:

• Tidal Flooding Definition: Also known as 'Sunny Day Flooding' or 'Nuisance Flooding,' it occurs when sea levels rise above the local threshold during high tides, even in the absence of storms or heavy rainfall.
• The Kerala Context: In districts like Ernakulam (Kochi), Alappuzha, and Thrissur, seawater enters homes and shops twice a day through the backwaters and drainage systems, leading to chronic waterlogging.
• Why the "Disaster" Tag?: Historically, disaster relief was reserved for "sudden-onset" events like cyclones or landslides. Kerala’s shift is based on several critical factors:
  • Frequency and Intensity: Due to Climate Change and Sea Level Rise (SLR), high tides are reaching further inland. 
    • What was once a minor inconvenience is now a daily threat to life and property.
  • The "Slow-Onset" Crisis: Unlike a tsunami, tidal flooding is a slow-onset disaster. Over time, it destroys foundations of houses, ruins furniture, and renders agricultural land saline.
  • Filling the Policy Gap: Under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, standard relief funds could not be used for "regular" tidal events. 
    • By declaring it state-specific, the government can now offer financial aid for house repairs and livelihood loss.
• Significance for Disaster Management: It moves the definition away from "sudden trauma" to "cumulative loss," aligning with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
  • Precedent for Coastal India: Other vulnerable states (Odisha, West Bengal) may follow suit as rising sea levels threaten the entire 7,500 km Indian coastline.