Powered by

Advertisment
Home Latest

What is Kallakadal posing threats to coastline in Kerala, Tamil Nadu?

Coastal areas of Kerala and southern Tamil Nadu are under an orange alert as the "kallakkadal phenomenon" brings rough seas and high-energy swell waves. INCOIS advises caution and avoidance of danger zones to mitigate risks to coastal regions.

By Ground report
New Update
What is Kallakadal posing threats to coastline in Kerala, Tamil Nadu

Kizhunna beach in Kannur district of Kerala, near Vattakallam. Photo credit: https://ks.mini/Wikimedia%20Commons

Listen to this article
0.75x 1x 1.5x
00:00 / 00:00

Coastal areas of Kerala and southern parts of Tamil Nadu are expected to encounter the "kallakkadal phenomenon" - a sudden swell of the seas causing rough waves - until 11:30 pm on Monday. 

Advertisment

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) advises, "Due to the expected intensification of rough seas, it is recommended to avoid danger zone areas as instructed by authorities."

INCOIS urges fishermen and coastal residents to heed alerts and stay away from danger zones. "Keeping a safe distance between boats can avoid the risk of collision. The safety of fishing equipment should be ensured," it said in a statement here.

What is Kallakadal?

The term "Kallakadal," meaning "angry sea" in Malayalam, accurately portrays the fierce and unpredictable nature of the ocean during periods of heightened wave activity. These waves have the potential to cause flooding, coastal property damage, and even loss of life. Furthermore, fishing operations may face disruptions.

KSDMA issues guidelines for safety

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has issued directives to district authorities in light of the anticipated swell surge. Individuals sleeping on beaches at night and vendors are advised to avoid coastal areas. With the possibility of swell surge, fishermen and coastal residents are urged to remain vigilant. As sea conditions are expected to worsen, people are instructed to steer clear of designated danger zones as per district authority guidelines.

The KSDMA has advised fishers to secure their fishing equipment, safely moor their vessels at fishing harbors, and maintain adequate distance between boats to prevent collisions. Additionally, individuals are urged to refrain from visiting beaches and engaging in recreational activities along the coast. Furthermore, restrictions will be enforced, prohibiting entry to beaches from 10 pm onwards on Friday.