Voluntary Groups Launch El Nino Awareness Campaign in Ambattur
Several voluntary organisations and weather experts recently gathered in Ambattur, Chennai, to launch a public awareness campaign addressing the potential impacts of the prevailing El Nino climate conditions. The initiative aims to educate local residents on climate preparedness, water stress, heatwaves, and shifting rainfall patterns.
The campaign was organized by members of citizens' movements and environmental groups, including Puzhal Eri, Arafat Eri Padhukappu Makkal Iyakkam, Exnora International, and Poovulagin Nanbargal. The collaboration comes in response to weather forecasts indicating that El Nino conditions will strengthen throughout the Southwest monsoon.
During the first public meeting, representatives emphasized the urgent need for both community-level preparedness and administrative intervention. S. Sundaramurthy, representing Puzhal Eri, Arafat Eri Padhukappu Makkal Iyakkam, highlighted the necessity for residents to adopt water conservation and climate-resilient practices ahead of the upcoming Northeast monsoon.
Sundaramurthy also advocated for specific government policies to protect vulnerable populations. He stated that the government should consider revising working hours for outdoor laborers and provide financial compensation similar to the relief packages offered during seasonal fishing bans. Additionally, he suggested that the administration declare public holidays during severe heatwaves, mirroring the protocols used during heavy rainfall.
Weather blogger K. Srikanth from Chennai Rains (Chennaiyil Oru Mazhaikalam) explained how El Nino has already influenced this year's Southwest monsoon. He noted that water inflows from the Cauvery River into Karnataka reservoirs reached only about half of their normal levels up to mid-July.
Srikanth added that weak monsoon conditions have already caused record-high temperatures in Tamil Nadu cities like Madurai and Vellore. He warned that the effects of the current El Nino cycle could extend into the summer of 2027, potentially resulting in harsh conditions as the ocean gradually releases absorbed heat.
Organizers announced plans to scale up the initiative by holding similar awareness meetings in various other neighborhoods across Chennai to promote preparedness for changing weather trends.
