G. Thilagavathi, S. Tamilenthi, C. Ramu and R. Baskaran
Flood is an inevitable natural phenomenon occurring from time to time in all rivers and natural drainage systems, which not only damages the lives, natural resources and environment, but also causes the loss of economy and health. The impact of floods has been increased due to a number of factors, with rising sea levels and increased development on flood plain. Recurring flood losses have handicapped the economic development of both developed and developing countries. Heavy rainfall due to the cyclone name of NISHA has thrown normal life out of gear with many low-lying areas flooded in Cuddalore, Thiruvarur, Chithambaram, Karur and neigbouring areas. Cyclones are among the most awesome events that nature can produce. They pose a major threat to lives and property in many parts of the world. Every year these sudden, unpredictable, violent storms bring widespread devastation to coastlines and islands lying in their erratic paths. A windstorm's destructive work is done by the high wind, flood-producing rains and associated storm surges. An attempt has been made in this research paper to demarcate the flood hazard prone areas in the papanasam taluk using Geographic Information System. The main problems encountered in papanasam taluk with respect to floods are inundation, drainage congestion due to urbanization and bank erosion. The problems depend on the river system, topography of the place and flow phenomenon. Being a vast low lying area, the flood problems in papanasam. Finally the Papanasam have been broadly divided into five zones of flooding, viz. (a) Very low, (b) Low, (c) Moderate, (d) High(e) Very high.
