THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : Swell waves lashed the Kerala coast causing panic in coastal communities on Sunday. The severity was higher in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha and Thrissur.
The waves started surging by 2 pm across the southern coast from Kanyakumari. According to traditional fishermen, the swell wave or ‘Kallakadal,’ during the high tide made it a spectacle. The people turned out in large numbers on the beaches on Sunday.
The surging water resulted in pools on some beaches. The fishermen complained of water damaging their fishing equipment. However, there were no casualties reported.
The waves damaged the Kollemcode-Neerody coastal road on the Kerala - Tamil Nadu border. It also resulted in inundation of 50 houses in the area. The district authorities have started preparation for the rehabilitation of families affected at a government UP school at Pozhiyoor.
The swell waves caused panic in Pulluvila, Adimalathura, Puthiyathura, Poonthura and Thumba in Thiruvananthapuram. The sea receded in Alappuzha before the swell waves at Cherthala, Pallithode and Purakkad.
Several parts of Kollam coast experienced devastating tidal waves, resulting in significant damage to homes and affecting numerous residents. Areas including Mundakkal, Mayyanad, Eravipuram, Paravur, and Thekkumbhagam bore the brunt of sea fury.
Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) issued a high wave alert warning people against visiting the beach till Monday midnight.
Shekhar Kuriakose, member secretary of Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, said the swell waves are a temporary phenomenon during the season. “The swell waves during the high tide result in inundation on the coast. Usually, the sea becomes normal soon,” he said.
Panic among fishers in Perinjanam
Thrissur: Swell waves lashed Thrissur’s coastal regions for several hours, throwing the daily lives of fishermen in these regions into uncertainty. Fishermen said that the nets kept on the shore were destroyed. According to Sihab, a resident, “The government didn’t issue any alert. As the waves turned rough since morning, we were unable to venture into the sea. Thankfully, water didn’t enter our houses. We are concerned whether this will continue in the coming days.” Perinjanam, Kaipamangalam, and Chavakkad were the most affected. The collector has urged people living in the coastal areas to temporarily vacate their houses for safety.
Beach tourism banned in T’Puram for 3 days
T’Puram: The District Disaster Management Authority said that no tourism activities in the coastal areas in the district will be allowed for the next three days, in the wake of the sea attack. A relief camp has been opened at the Government UP School at Pozhiyoor. Measures have also been taken to ensure food, and other necessities in the camp. The DDMA asked the revenue department authorities to be vigilant about the developments in the coastal area. They have asked authorities concerned to take immediate steps to channel water from residential areas to the sea.