CDRI Report Warns of Major Disaster Risks in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu could suffer losses of up to ₹6,000 crore if an extremely severe disaster strikes, according to a report released by the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). The report warns that the cost of restoring infrastructure after a major disaster could exceed the state’s available financial resources. A recurrence of a tsunami similar to the 2004 disaster could cause losses of around ₹1,665.73 crore, potentially adding a debt burden of ₹291.62 crore. A disaster similar to the 2015 floods could also place significant pressure on the state’s finances, while causing prolonged disruption to livelihoods and businesses.

The report highlights concerns about the resilience of Tamil Nadu’s electricity network and other infrastructure against cyclones and floods. The devastating 2015 floods affected around four million people across six districts and left 1.8 million homeless, while causing extensive damage. Earlier disasters, including the 2004 tsunami, Cyclone Thane in 2011, Cyclone Vardah in 2016, Cyclone Ockhi in 2017 and Cyclone Gaja in 2018, also inflicted significant losses. CDRI Director General Amit Prothi called for risk-based budgeting, a digital database to assess disaster vulnerability across the state, stronger preparedness measures and safer infrastructure designs to reduce future damage.