Best printers for Home

Best Mixer Grinder

Best wired Earphones

Best 43 Inch TV in India

Best Wi Fi Routers

Best Home Theatre in India

Smart Watch under 5000

Best Laptops for Education

Best Laptop for Students

Electric vehicles (EVs) are all the rage these days. With their promise of lower emissions and smooth, quiet rides, it’s no wonder that the global demand for EVs has been soaring. However, if you live near the coast — or anywhere prone to flooding — there’s a less-talked-about risk that could make you rethink that shiny new electric car parked in your driveway: saltwater-induced fires from flooded EV batteries. <h2>Saltwater and EV batteries</h2>When it comes to EVs, the heart of the vehicle’s power lies in its battery, usually a lithium-ion (Li-ion) pack. These batteries are highly efficient, but they’re also sensitive to water, especially the salty kind. In September and October 2024, the Southeast U.S. was hit by hurricanes Helene and Milton, which caused catastrophic flooding. Thousands of homes were damaged, and in a particularly frightening twist, 11 electric cars and 48 lithium-ion batteries caught fire after being exposed to salty floodwaters. Saltwater is a conductor of electricity, which means it can get into the EV battery packs, triggering a dangerous reaction. When water seeps into the battery, it can cause a short-circuit between the battery's terminals, which may lead to overheating, violent fires, and even explosions. In many cases, the fire doesn’t start right away — it can take hours or even days after the exposure before a thermal runaway event occurs, causing a dangerous blaze. Once the fire starts, it’s nearly impossible to put out with regular fire-fighting methods. Firefighters often have no choice but to let the battery burn itself out. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113906136" title="Planning to purchase an EV? Here&amp;#39;s how to ensure it never catches on fire" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>In 2022, during Hurricane Ian in Florida, 36 EVs that had been flooded reportedly caught fire, even some that were being towed on flatbed trucks. The problem lies in how lithium-ion batteries react to saltwater. The metal terminals in these batteries, when exposed to salty water, can corrode and build short-circuiting paths that lead to fires days later. The fire hazard remains even in fully discharged batteries, meaning even seemingly "safe" vehicles after flooding could still pose a serious threat. <h2>The risk to coastal cities</h2>This issue is especially concerning for coastal cities where rising sea levels and hurricanes are becoming more frequent. According to a 2023 report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), <keyword id="381751" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="electric-vehicle" source="Orion">electric vehicle</keyword> adoption is growing rapidly in many parts of the world, including India, where EV sales increased by around 50% in the first quarter of 2024 alone. Cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kochi are embracing EVs due to their environmental benefits and growing infrastructure support. However, these coastal cities are also at higher risk for flooding, making the combination of increased EV adoption and rising sea levels a perfect storm for potential disaster. In fact, areas prone to heavy rains and floods, like India’s coastal cities, are facing unique challenges. The combination of frequent monsoon floods and rising sea levels presents a scenario where more and more EVs could end up submerged in salty floodwaters, increasing the risk of battery fires in the region. <h2>What does this mean for you?</h2>While electric cars are generally safe under normal conditions, the growing risk of battery fires due to flooding is an important factor to consider if you live in flood-prone areas, especially near the sea. The key takeaway here is that EV owners should take extra precautions when natural disasters loom, particularly hurricanes and floods. Here's what you can do to protect your EV: <ul><li>Move your EV to higher ground: If you're in a flood zone, take your EV to higher ground or evacuate it if possible. This will help prevent it from being submerged in salty water.</li><li>Evacuate early: Be proactive and evacuate before the floodwaters hit. Don't wait for the last minute to move your vehicle to safety.</li><li>After the flood, treat submerged EVs with caution: If your EV has been submerged in water, especially saltwater, it’s essential to avoid using it, charging it, or even moving it until it’s been inspected by professionals. Contact the manufacturer for a thorough inspection of the battery.</li><li>Do not attempt DIY fixes: If your vehicle has been exposed to saltwater, do not try to start it, charge it, or fix the battery yourself. The risks of fire are too high, and professionals are trained to handle such situations safely.</li></ul>

Buying an EV may be a somewhat dangerous move if you live near the sea

Mumbai, <keyword id="19897254" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tamil" source="keywords">Tamil</keyword> superstar <keyword id="19902056" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vijay" source="keywords">Vijay</keyword>, who was recently seen in 'Leo', and is awaiting the release of his upcoming film 'The Goat Life', has decided to quit cinema for his political career. He announced his political party, <keyword id="20429636" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tamilaga-vettri-kazhagam" source="keywords">Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam</keyword>, on Friday. The actor said that he will quit cinema after completing two films ('GOAT' and an untitled film) to become a full-fledged politician in <keyword id="19896558" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tamil-nadu" source="keywords">Tamil Nadu</keyword>. His party members will contest in the 2026 elections. The actor recently met Class 10 and 12 students and also offered aid to people affected by the recent floods in <keyword id="19895758" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="chennai" source="keywords">Chennai</keyword>. In a long official statement, the actor said that there is a need for political power to do social work in a full-fledged manner. The actor's official account on X posted: "You all are well aware of the political situation of Tamil Nadu. On one side, we have a dysfunctional administration and corrupt political culture, and on the other, we have divisive politics that aims to divide people along the lines of caste, creed, and religion. Both impede our progress. It is an incontestable truth that people, more so in Tamil Nadu, are longing for a change in a political scenario and want a selfless, honest, secular and talented party to bring about a change." Vijay announced that he will be contesting in the 2026 state legislative assembly elections and will pave the way for the 'desired political transformation sought by the people of Tamil Nadu'. The statement further mentioned: "Upon the approval of the election ordinance, our party's policies, manifestos, strategies, and programs will be unveiled, and our political journey for the people of Tamil Nadu will commence. Our party will proceed with the necessary diligence, ensuring that all activities align with the party's mission and goals, prioritising the interests of the people of Tamil Nadu. Therefore, my prolonged commitment to politics is not merely a profession but a sacred duty to the people. Politics, in my perspective, is not a pastime; it is my profound endeavour." "So, I will complete the project I have accepted now, making sure that it doesn't affect my political service. And I will embark on this journey to serve the people of Tamil Nadu fully, without any distractions. That, I believe, is my debt of gratitude to the people of Tamil Nadu", he added in the statement," he concluded.

Superstar Vijay to quit films for a political career, announces new political party

<ul><li><keyword id="482957" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="home-insurance" source="Orion">Home Insurance</keyword> protects one’s home from any unforeseen circumstances such as fire, theft, and natural calamities like earthquakes, floods, and storms. </li><li>For individual homeowners, it is recommended to choose comprehensive coverage. </li><li>Homeowners can boost their standard home insurance policies with add-on options.</li></ul>Scary as it may sound, with climate change now a reality, all our cities are likely to experience devastating floods. We have seen it in Mumbai, in Chennai, in Bangalore, and very recently in Himachal and Uttarakhand. Let us take the case of Mumbai. Studies suggest that high rainfall, rising sea levels and sinking land expose more people to the risk of floods. Moreover, there are other natural calamities that may occur too and add to that the risk of theft and burglary. This makes home insurance very essential for anyone who owns a property, or even those who stay in rented accommodation where one can insure the contents of the house against various risks. “Home insurance is a type of property insurance that protects one’s home from any unforeseen circumstances such as fire, theft, and natural calamities like earthquakes, floods, and storms. It also covers the damage caused due to water-logging due to floods,” says Vivek Chaturvedi, CMO and head of direct sales, Digit Insurance. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Home insurance in India is abysmally low" comment="subhead" text="Home insurance in India is abysmally low">Home insurance in India is abysmally low</cmsannotation> Home insurance penetration in India is very very low. Data from The Asia Insurance Review revealed that home insurance in India stood at only 1% five years back. In contrast, countries like the US, UK, France and Australia have home insurance rates ranging from 90% to 97%. There are a couple of reasons for it. “One is the perception that nothing will happen to me and I do not need home insurance. The second is related to the lack of knowledge of new products, that one can insure both the building and the content,” says Gurdeep Singh Batra, national head, retail non-motor underwriting and coinsurance, Bajaj Allianz <keyword id="6366282" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="general-insurance" source="Orion">General Insurance</keyword>. Also, home insurance in India is not mandatory. While it is also not legally mandatory in the United States, the United Kingdom, or Canada, many mortgage lenders in these countries often require borrowers to have home insurance as a condition of the mortgage loan. This requirement is to protect the lender's financial interest in the property. While it's not a legal obligation for homeowners, it is a practical necessity to secure coverage to safeguard their homes, personal belongings, and liability in unforeseen circumstances while satisfying lender requirements. We look at why home insurance is important and what it covers. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="What is covered under home insurance" comment="Subhead" text="What is covered under home insurance">What is covered under home insurance</cmsannotation> Under home insurance, there are three kinds of cover available. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Building-Only Cover" comment="subhead" text="Building-Only Cover">Building-Only Cover</cmsannotation>: This type protects the physical structure of the building, including the net usable area (carpet area). It excludes external walls, service shafts, balconies, verandahs, and open terrace areas but includes internal partition walls within the residential unit. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Content-Only Cover" comment="subhead" text="Content-Only Cover">Content-Only Cover</cmsannotation>: This option covers personal belongings inside the house that aren't permanently attached to the structure, such as furniture, electronics, and kitchen equipment. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Comprehensive Cover" comment="Subhead" text="Comprehensive Cover">Comprehensive Cover</cmsannotation>: This provides complete protection for both the building and its contents. It often includes additional options like coverage for equipment breakdown and burglary. Individuals can choose the option that suits their specific needs and circumstances. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Insure your home according to your needs" comment="Subhead" text="Insure your home according to your needs">Insure your home according to your needs</cmsannotation> For individual homeowners, it is recommended to choose comprehensive coverage because it provides protection for both the building and the contents of the house. If you own a flat within an apartment complex, it is typically the responsibility of the housing society to insure the structure itself. In this case, the flat owner would only need to insure the personal contents within their home. “In case the building isn’t insured, then one can buy a cover individually as well to protect the structures of their flat,” says Chaturvedi. If you're a tenant residing in an apartment or a standalone house, you might want to focus solely on obtaining 'content-only' insurance coverage.This type of insurance safeguards all your possessions within the dwelling. “It could be a wise idea for landlords who have let-out properties to consider landlords' insurance, which covers damage to the building as well as loss of rent,” says Mathur. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Subhead" text="Add-ons to boost your home insurance">Add-ons to boost your home insurance</cmsannotation> “Protecting your home with a comprehensive home insurance policy coupled with tailored add-ons is the most sensible and prudent thing to do,” says Tarun Mathur, CBO - General Insurance, Policybazaar.com. "Theft and Burglary Cover" protects against losses not typically covered by standard policies, such as theft of valuable items like gold and electronics. "Gold and Jewelry Add-On" extends coverage to include precious metals and offers significant protection. "Portable Electronic Items Add-On" is essential, covering devices like laptops and phones that may not be included in standard policies. In the event of home damage, "Alternate Accommodation Add-On" eases the burden by covering the cost of temporary housing during repairs. For added security, "New-for-Old Cover" ensures valuable items are replaced with new ones, rather than reimbursed at their depreciated value. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Low premiums" comment="Subhead" text="Low premiums">Low premiums</cmsannotation> Interestingly home insurance premiums are low and are very manageable. Home insurance premiums vary based on factors like property value and coverage. “ The premium for home insurance lies between 0.10 per thousand to 0.25 per thousand sum insured,” says Batra. You can get a ₹ 1 crore sum assured for as low as ₹2,500 per year and ₹25,000 for a 10-year period. Comprehensive plans with added features will cost you more. It's essential to obtain quotes from different insurers to find the best policy that suits your specific needs and budget.

From fire to floods – Why home insurance is something you should not  ignore

As floods become a recurring threat, here’s how to insure your home from natural calamities

<ul><li>The engine and gearbox protection add-on offers coverage for damages to the vehicle’s engine, or gearbox due to waterlogging or hydrostatic lock during the monsoon. </li><li>With a zero-depreciation cover in place, the entire cost of vehicle repair or replacement of damaged auto parts is compensated by the insurance company. </li><li>Securing an add-on to a <keyword id="35490" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="car-insurance" source="Orion">car insurance</keyword> policy is possible only during the renewal period. </li></ul>For any car owner, <keyword id="6439882" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="monsoons" source="Orion">monsoons</keyword> can be a nightmare, especially if they live in areas prone to heavy rains, floods and water-logging. Most of our cities are susceptible to flooding during the monsoons, and recent instances of flooding in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bangalore are fresh in our minds. In the Bangalore 2022 floods alone, thousands of cars were damaged during the monsoons. In these times, plain vanilla insurance may not suffice. Here are five <keyword id="744230" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="add-ons" source="Orion">add-ons</keyword> to your insurance cover that will protect your car during the monsoons. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="subhead" text="Engine and gearbox protection add-on">Engine and gearbox protection add-on</cmsannotation> During the monsoons, if your car is forced to ply on a flooded road and water damages the engine, you can run up thousands in repair costs. “This add-on offers coverage for damages to the vehicle’s engine or gearbox due to waterlogging or hydrostatic lock (occurs when a car is driven after the engine is filled with water) during the monsoon. It includes the cost of repairing, or replacing the engine parts, which can be quite expensive. This feature is strongly recommended for areas which are prone to flood and waterlogging,” says Parthanil Ghosh, president of retail business at HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="subhead" text="Zero-depreciation add-on">Zero-depreciation add-on</cmsannotation> Monsoons bring a fair share of challenges with a high risk of accidents and collisions due to slippery roads and hazy visibility. “With zero-depreciation cover in place, the entire cost of vehicle repair or replacement of damaged auto parts is compensated by the insurance company. However, there is 50% coverage for tyres, tubes, and batteries,” says Nitin Kumar, head of motor insurance at Policybazaar.com. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="subhead" text="24x7 roadside assistance add-on">24x7 roadside assistance add-on</cmsannotation> During the monsoon season, unpredictable weather conditions can frequently lead to vehicle breakdowns, battery failures or flat tires. To avoid being stranded without assistance for extended periods, it is beneficial to consider adding roadside assistance coverage. This additional coverage provides services such as immediate repairs, towing, and arranging for alternative transportation. “This cover offers services like on-the-spot repairs, towing, and arranging for alternative transportation to save the vehicle owner from the inconvenience and heavy financial expenses while being stuck on the road during heavy rainfall,” says Kumar. Cost of add-ons <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td colspan="2" style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">For cars priced ₹14 lakh and above (eg. Hyundai Creta) </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Add-ons </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Cost (₹) </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Zero Depreciation </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">9,000-12,000 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Engine Protection Cover </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">500-1,200 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Roadside Assistance </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">100-200 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Daily Allowance </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">1,000-2,000 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Consumables </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.9999974999999999pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">500-2,000 </td></tr></tbody></table> Source: Policybazaar.com <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="subhead" text="Consumables add-on">Consumables add-on</cmsannotation> Expenses like brakes, engine oil, nuts and bolts, etc, are typically excluded from a standard comprehensive plan. However, they may drive up the cost of repairs in case of damage due to flood waters. “This add-on is recommended for all geographies as it covers for the cost of consumables like engine oil, nuts, bolts and other similar items that need to be replaced during repairs and are excluded being wear and tear items,” says Ghosh. “For eg., any engine, or gearbox damage on account of impact, or water-related repairs would require oil replacement, which can be paid for under this add-on cover,” says Animesh Das, chief underwriting officer, ACKO. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="subhead" text="Daily allowance add-on">Daily allowance add-on</cmsannotation> In situations where the car is completely immobilised, or undergoing repairs, this add-on feature provides compensation to cover the expenses of renting an alternative vehicle for a specified number of days, up to a predetermined daily limit. The exact daily limit for reimbursement may differ depending on the insurance company. “However, adding an add-on to a car insurance policy is (only) possible during the renewal period. Insurance providers typically allow policyholders to evaluate and modify their policy coverage during the renewal process,” says Das. During this period, the customer can assess their insurance needs and make any necessary changes or enhancements to their coverage for the next policy term.

You Searched For "Chennai flooding" and got 5 results

Buying an EV may be a somewhat dangerous move if you live near the sea

BI India Bureau

Superstar Vijay to quit films for a political career, announces new political party

IANS

From fire to floods – Why home insurance is something you should not ignore

Anagh Pal

As floods become a recurring threat, here’s how to insure your home from natural calamities

Anagh Pal

Getting monsoon ready – Five add-ons to consider for your car insurance

Anagh Pal

Popular Keywords

Buying Guides