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U.S. water management experts visit Chennai to tackle climate challenges
Metzler, who comes from San Antonio, Texas—Chennai’s sister city—said, “The rivers in both Chennai and San Antonio are central to the life of these cities. This visit is a way for us to share experiences and learn from each other.”
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Malvika Choudhary - Mon, 13, Jan 2025
- 12:48 EST
- 295
Steven Metzler, Director-Water Resources, San Antonio River Authority (SARA), and Julia McCarthy, Deputy Director-Mitigation Division, FEMA Region 5, who visited Chennai as part of the Ambassador’s Water Expert Program (AWEP), during a storytelling tour along the Adyar River, Kotturpuram, Chennai. / Image- in.usembassy.gov
Water management experts from the United States visited the South Indian city of Chennai as part of the Ambassador’s Water Expert Program (AWEP) to work with local officials and experts on managing water resources, flood risks, and climate change challenges.
Steven Metzler, Director of Water Resources at the San Antonio River Authority, and Julia McCarthy, Deputy Director of FEMA Region 5’s Mitigation Division, spent nearly two weeks in Chennai visiting sites like the Adyar River and Manapakkam retaining wall to understand the city's challenges firsthand and exchange ideas with city officials, researchers, and industry representatives, a release stated.
The experts met Chennai Mayor R. Priya and senior government officials, including those handling water resources and urban planning. Discussions focused on river restoration, flood management, and ways to prepare the city for the impacts of climate change.
Metzler, who comes from San Antonio, Texas—Chennai’s sister city—said, “The rivers in both Chennai and San Antonio are central to the life of these cities. This visit is a way for us to share experiences and learn from each other.”
McCarthy added, “Floods are a serious challenge for cities like Chennai. By working together, we can find solutions to reduce risks and build resilience for the people.” Most recently, Cyclone Fengal, which swept across southern India in December 2024, brought widespread rainfall and underscored the need for better flood preparedness and disaster management strategies.
The experts also participated in discussions at Anna University, a tech summit at IIT Madras, and a panel on climate change solutions at the Umagine 2025 event.
The visit was organized by the U.S. Consulate General in Chennai to strengthen ties between the two cities. U.S. Consul General Chris Hodges said, “This program brings American expertise to support Tamil Nadu’s efforts in managing water and building disaster resilience. It also strengthens the connection between Chennai and San Antonio, showing how collaboration can create real solutions.”
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