Study report: Kerala floods of August 2018

This study analyses the August 2018 Kerala floods by examining earlier floods in the region, rainfall data before and during the disaster, and both the reservoir operations and runoff computations of various reservoirs in Kerala. The report predominately focuses on the role that dams played in exacerbating the disaster, and it provides a detailed, time-stamped analysis of key events with respect to dam water levels, runoffs, and other factors linked to the disaster.

The report recommends that authorities review the rule curves, a safety protocol that dictates the level of water that can be safely maintained behind a dam at any point given seasonal factors. The report also suggests widening certain channels and barrages to enhance the discharge of flood runoff, creating suitable storage reservoirs for flood moderation, and inspecting the Poringalkuthu dam.