“North Chennai likely to be less affected by tsunami''

Rajib Shaw (second from left), Professor, Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, presenting a book on disaster management to Assistant Country Director (Head - Disaster Management Unit) of UNDP India J. Radhakrishnan at the workshop in Chennai on Thursday. Director of Guindy Campus of Madras University S.P. Mohan and Mayor M. Subramanian are in the picture. Photo: R. Shivaji Rao

North Chennai is likely to be less affected by tsunami than south Chennai, said J.Radhakrishnan, Assistant Country Director (Head - Disaster Management Unit) of UNDP India.

Speaking at the inauguration of an international workshop on ‘Local climate and disaster resilience in Chennai,' here on Thursday, Dr.Radhakrishnan said that the construction of more structures along north Chennai coast, as part of the shoreline protection measures, had contributed towards making north Chennai less vulnerable to tsunami.

The observation was based on the ‘Tsunami Vulnerability Atlas of Chennai Coast' prepared by the Tsunami and Coastal Studies laboratory of the Department of Applied Geology, University of Madras.

Mayor M.Subramanian, who was presented a copy of the atlas by the department, said that Chennai Corporation was planning future infrastructural developments based on the needs of disaster management. The atlas was prepared as part of a project funded by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.

The project involved a detailed study on 50 km coastline from Pulicat Lake to Kovalam creek, said R.R.Krishnamurthy, Professor, Department of Applied Geology, University of Madras.

According to the study, the coastline from Ennore to Kasimedu Fishing Harbour has been found to be safer. The coastline from Cooum River to Kovalam creek was more vulnerable.

A Climate Disaster Resilience Index is also being prepared for Chennai based on the data collected on five elements – physical, social, economic, institutional and natural – of all the ten zones of the Corporation.

“The purpose of the workshop is to explore new challenges in tackling climate change induced disasters and help officials understand how resilient were the 10 zones of the Corporation,” said Rajib Shaw, Professor, Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University. One officer of the civic body would be nominated for training in Malaysia next month, funded by Kyoto University, he said.

Director of Guindy Campus of Madras University S. P. Mohan participated.