1943 Madras floods

The 1943 Madras floods, a catastrophic natural disaster, unfolded between November 28 and December 3, 1943, in Madras (now Chennai), India. Triggered by an unprecedented monsoon, the city experienced intense rainfall leading to severe inundation, with recorded precipitation exceeding 30 inches over a short span. The floods resulted in widespread devastation, displacing thousands, damaging infrastructure, and causing significant loss of life. The social and economic impact was profound, exacerbated by wartime conditions in British India. Efforts for relief and rehabilitation were hampered by logistical challenges, highlighting the vulnerabilities of urban planning in the face of extreme weather events. The 1943 floods remain a pivotal moment in the history of Madras, shaping future disaster preparedness and response strategies.