Daijiworld Media Network - Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 26: Kerala's southern coastline is likely to experience rough sea conditions and high waves on Thursday as the 'Kallakkadal' phenomenon affects the region, prompting authorities to urge fishermen and coastal residents to exercise extreme caution.
Kallakkadal refers to a sudden rise in sea level or coastal flooding caused by long-period ocean swells. The phenomenon occurs when powerful swells generated by distant weather systems travel across the ocean and reach the coast, causing the sea to rise suddenly and inundate low-lying areas even without a local storm or cyclone.
The National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has forecast waves between 0.9 and 1.2 metres along the coasts of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Alappuzha from 8.30 am to 11.30 pm on August 27.
The warning covers the coastal stretches from Kappil to Pozhiyoor in Thiruvananthapuram, Alappad to Edava in Kollam and Chellanam to Azhikkal Jetty in Alappuzha.
The impact is expected to be more pronounced along the Kanyakumari coast, where waves measuring 1.1 to 1.5 metres are likely between 2.30 am and 11.30 pm on Thursday.
With the possibility of coastal flooding and erosion, residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to move to safer locations in accordance with directions issued by local authorities.
Fishermen have been advised to avoid launching or bringing small boats and fishing vessels ashore when wave activity intensifies, as both operations could pose serious risks.
Fishing vessels already at sea should be securely berthed at harbours, with sufficient spacing maintained between boats to prevent collisions and damage to fishing equipment.
The public has also been advised to stay away from beaches and refrain from all sea-based recreational activities until the INCOIS warning is withdrawn.
Beach tourism and other activities along the shoreline should remain suspended during the warning period.
Coastal residents have been urged to remain particularly vigilant for sudden sea incursions and coastal erosion, especially in vulnerable stretches.