1.1. Vulnerability of houses due to road elevation

Before the flood, houses were constructed normally; however, the local government elevated the road year after year. As a result, the houses have become more vulnerable, making it easier for water to reach them, which poses significant risks.

This chunk explains how the action of raising the road, which might seem beneficial for mobility, has unintended consequences for the houses nearby. When the road is elevated, the height difference can lead to water collecting around the homes instead of flowing away safely. This means that during floods, the water can easily infiltrate the yards and even enter the houses, which poses a serious threat to property and safety.

Imagine a small hill with a house at the base. If someone builds a tall wall around the hill, during heavy rain, water from the hilltop can flow off the wall and overflow into the area below, flooding the house right next to it. Similarly, the elevated road acts like that wall, causing water to collect around the houses instead of draining safely away.

There is encroachment on the Mithi River by some people who are building new constructions. Although the municipal authority has demolished some of these places, new constructions keep appearing, leading to further complications.

This chunk highlights an ongoing issue of illegal construction along the Mithi River. Encroachment refers to the act of building on land that is not legally permitted, which includes areas that should be left open for waterways. This building reduces the river's capacity to flow, increasing the risk of flooding. Even though authorities intervene to remove some structures, the persistence of new illegal buildings means that the problem continues unabated, worsening vulnerability to floods.

Think of a natural stream that needs space to flow freely. If a person decides to build a dam with rocks and garbage right in the stream's path, the water will have nowhere to go, leading to overflow. Similarly, each new construction along the river is like placing another obstacle that hampers the natural water flow, increasing the likelihood of flooding.

In the 1980s, the area was predominantly a mangrove zone. Settlements began in the late 1980s due to construction workers establishing temporary housing, which expanded in subsequent years (1995, 2000, 2005, and 2013).

This chunk provides a historical perspective, showing how the area transformed from a natural mangrove ecosystem into a densely populated urban settlement over just a few decades. Mangroves play an essential role in flood management by absorbing excess water, and their loss means the area is less protected against floods. The rapid increase in temporary houses reflects growing urban pressures, but this progression has likely contributed to the vulnerability of homes to flooding.

Consider a natural sponge that soaks up water. If you start cutting pieces from that sponge and placing them in a crowded space, eventually, there won't be enough sponge left to absorb water effectively—and water will begin to overflow. The disappearance of mangroves is similar; as these were replaced with houses, the natural flood resilience of the area was diminished.

During the 2005 floods, certain areas close to the Mithi River experienced water levels of six to ten feet, significantly affecting nearby households. The report indicates that homes in these areas sustained the most damage compared to those located farther away from the river.

This chunk discusses the extent of flooding during a specific event in 2005, illustrating the direct correlation between proximity to the river and flood damage. The fact that water levels reached heights over six feet—beyond the average human height—clearly indicates the seriousness of the flood. Homes closest to the river were most at risk, leading to complete loss of property and belongings for many residents.

Imagine living in a low-lying area next to a beach during a storm surge. The closer you are to the water, the more likely your house is to be damaged as the waves wash up higher than normal. Similarly, those living near the Mithi River faced similar dangers during the floods.

Residents face annual waterlogging issues, with reports indicating that many homes experience one to two feet of waterlogging. This occurs for a duration of about two to three hours on a regular basis.

Here, the topic of recurring waterlogging is addressed, illustrating an ongoing problem for residents. Waterlogging refers to the inundation of an area with water that does not drain away, often hampering daily life and posing health risks. Repeated exposure to water can lead to long-term damage to both the buildings and the communities themselves.

Think about leaving a sponge in a bowl of water. Over time, the sponge can become damaged and lose its ability to absorb water effectively. Similarly, homes that are repeatedly subjected to waterlogging may suffer from deterioration and damage due to constant exposure to water.

--