Tamil Nadu sets up expert panel to assess impact of strong El Nino

The Tamil Nadu government on Thursday, 30 July, set up an expert advisory committee to monitor and assess the potential impacts of a strong El Nino event and recommend precautionary and disaster management measures.

The panel will assess the possible effects of the weather phenomenon on rainfall, drought, flooding and water resources and advise the Tamil Nadu Disaster Risk Reduction Agency (TNDRRA) on preparedness and mitigation measures.

The move follows an alert from the Additional Chief Secretary and Commissioner of Revenue Administration that there is a high probability of a severe El Nino event developing in 2026.

A strong El Nino could result in below-normal Southwest Monsoon rainfall, potentially affecting water inflows into the Cauvery River and irrigation facilities. Extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall and flooding, are also anticipated during the Northeast Monsoon season, the government said.

A Government Order issued on July 28 said the Additional Chief Secretary, Commissioner of Revenue Administration and State Relief Commissioner, Chepauk, will chair the committee.

The panel comprises experts in climate change, disaster management, environment, coastal resource management and urban infrastructure, including Prof S Kanmani of Anna University, Balaji Narasimhan of IIT Madras, Arivudai Nambi Appadurai of the Tamil Nadu Governing Council on Climate Change, Prof Ramesh Ramachandran, R Venkatesan, J K Patterson Edward and R Pradeep John.

The committee will monitor rainfall and drought conditions, identify vulnerable areas and advise on early warning systems, drought mitigation and flood mitigation measures, according to the government order.

It will function under the TNDRRA during 2026-27 and 2027-28.