Kerala has been impacted by significant tidal waves and aggressive sea encroachments attributed to the ‘Kallakkadal’ phenomenon, resulting in abrupt sea swells and rough waves along its coastline. This has led to damage to homes and flooding of roads, prompting residents to relocate to safer locations. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has issued an Orange Alert for the southern coasts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, cautioning against rough seas and potential sea surges due to exceptionally powerful waves ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 meters in height.
Amidst warnings of the ‘Kallakkadal’ phenomenon along the state’s coastal regions, numerous Kerala areas have grappled with elevated tidal waves and aggressive sea encroachments since Saturday night. The ‘Kallakkadal’ phenomenon entails sudden sea swells, precipitating rough waves along coastal stretches.
The impact on local communities has been significant, with waves pounding the shores of various coastal settlements, damaging numerous residences and inundating roads. In Thiruvananthapuram’s Anchuthengu and Poonthura areas, homes were flooded with seawater, forcing residents to seek refuge in safer locales. In several locations, locals had to maintain heightened vigilance to protect their fishing gear along the shoreline from the onslaught of high tidal waves.
Reports of sea incursions have emerged not only from Anchuthengu, Poonthura, and Muthalapozhi hamlets in Thiruvananthapuram but also from Mundakkal and Alappadu areas in Kollam district, Purakkad in Alappuzha, Kodungallur, and Perinjanam in Thrissur district, among others.
Meanwhile, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) persisted in issuing an Orange Alert for the southern coasts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, citing the ‘Kallakkadal’ phenomenon. The latest advisory cautioned that the southern coasts of Kerala and segments of Tamil Nadu, including the Kanyakumari and Tuticorin regions, are susceptible to rough seas and surges owing to exceptionally forceful waves measuring 0.5 to 1.5 metres persisting until 11.30 pm tonight.
INCOIS, the central authority responsible for issuing weather alerts to fishermen nationwide, urged individuals to dock their fishing vessels in harbours securely. Authorities have reiterated the importance of caution, discouraging beach trips, and avoiding maritime activities. It also cautioned fishermen against entering the sea aboard small boats or vessels after 8 p.m.
Source:
The Economic Times