Published Paper Details:

The August 2018 floods that destroyed Kerala were among the worst in the state's history in nearly a century. The 2018 Kerala flood had a severe impact, leading to widespread displacement, loss of life, and extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and agricultural land. The disaster disrupted daily life across the state, overwhelmed public services, and caused long term economic and environmental consequences. This dissertation critically analyses the political role in managing this disaster in the post-disaster period, with a specific focus on the role of political leadership, institutional governance, and public participation in contributing to disaster response and recovery. Based on extensive reports of relief operations, intergovernmental relations, and engagement of diverse actors such as the state government, local self-governments, opposition parties, and civil society organizations, this research investigates the effectiveness and shortcomings of politically motivated disaster governance. The study highlights the critical leadership of Kerala's political leadership, especially the initiative of the Chief Minister and other major actors to mobilize resources, maintain open communication, and link decentralized governance structures for prompt response. It also assesses the relationship between the government and opposition, interaction with the civil society and volunteer networks, and the coordination with national agencies like the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the central government. From this perspective, the research showcases the strengths and weaknesses of Kerala's political machinery in dealing with an unprecedented human crisis, providing insights into the wider implications of political agency for disaster resilience and recovery. The results underscore the significance of inclusive governance, inter-party collaboration, and decentralized administration in informing an effective post-disaster strategy.