Voluntary organisations in Chennai collaborate to raise awareness on El Nino and its impacts

Various voluntary organisations and weather experts in Chennai have collaborated to launch an awareness campaign on El Nino and its likely impacts, with the first public meeting held recently in Ambattur.

Amid recent changes in weather patterns over Tamil Nadu, the initiative aimed to educate residents on the potential impacts of the prevailing El Nino conditions, including heatwaves, water stress and changes in rainfall patterns. El Nino is a climate phenomenon characterised by the warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, which influences global weather patterns.

Members of Puzhal Eri, Arafat Eri Padhukappu Makkal Iyakkam, a citizens’ movement, joined hands with organisations, including Exnora International and Poovulagin Nanbargal, to create awareness and encourage preparedness among citizens. The campaign comes in the wake of forecasts indicating strengthening of El Nino throughout the Southwest monsoon.

S. Sundaramurthy, Puzhal Eri, Arafat Eri Padhukappu Makkal Iyakkam, highlighted the need for public preparedness and adopting water conservation and climate-resilient practices. “We want residents to be prepared for heat stress and extreme weather conditions during the upcoming Northeast monsoon season. The government should consider revising work hours for people engaged in outdoor occupations and provide compensation similar to the relief extended during fishing bans. Holidays must be declared during severe heatwave conditions, if required, like those announced during heavy rainfall,” he said.

Representatives of other organisations stressed the need for preparedness at both the administrative and individual levels to cope up with changing weather patterns and their impact on agriculture, public health and livelihoods.

K.Srikanth, weather blogger with Chennai Rains (Chennaiyil Oru Mazhaikalam), explained how the effect of El Nino had influenced Southwest monsoon this year. “Cauvery inflows into Karnataka reservoirs are almost half of normal levels up to mid-July. Similarly, we have had record temperatures in places like Madurai and Vellore due to weak monsoon conditions over the last few days. The effects of El Nino may also extend into 2027 summer, which could be harsh as the ocean gradually releases the heat absorbed this year,” he added.

The organisations plans to hold similar meetings in various parts of the city to promote preparedness for changing weather trends.