Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 26 — Kerala’s southern coastline is likely to face rough sea conditions and high waves on Thursday, with authorities warning fishermen and coastal residents to exercise extreme caution as the 'Kallakkadal phenomenon' affects the region.
Kallakkadal literally refers to sea surge or sudden coastal flooding caused by long-period ocean swells.
It is a phenomenon in which powerful swells generated by distant weather systems travel across the ocean and reach the coast, often causing the sea to rise suddenly and inundate low-lying coastal areas, even in the absence of a local storm or cyclone.
The National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has forecast high waves of 0.9 to 1.2 metres along the coasts of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Alappuzha from 8.30 a.m. to 11.30 p.m. on August 27.
The warning covers the stretch from Kappil to Pozhiyoor in Thiruvananthapuram, Alappad to Edava in Kollam, and Chellanam to Azhikkal Jetty in Alappuzha.
The situation is expected to be more pronounced along the Kanyakumari coast, where waves of 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 instructions from local authorities.
Fishermen have been asked to avoid launching or bringing small boats and fishing vessels ashore when the waves intensify, as both operations could pose serious risks.
Fishing vessels should remain securely berthed at harbours, with adequate spacing between boats to prevent collisions and damage to fishing equipment.
Authorities have also advised the public to stay away from beaches and avoid all sea-based recreational activities until the INCOIS warning is withdrawn.
Beach tourism and other activities along the shoreline should also be suspended during the warning period. Coastal residents are urged to remain particularly alert to sudden sea incursions and coastal erosion, especially in vulnerable stretches.