THOOTHUKUDI: After the Regional Meteorological Centre forecast a low-pressure area over central parts of the south Bay of Bengal and speedy winds, fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea.
Over 500 mechanised vessels and 4,000 country boats moored onshore, while few others defied the advisory and ventured into the sea.
As per the IMD bulletin, the low-pressure area is likely to become more marked and move west-northwestwards towards the Tamil Nadu coast on Wednesday and Thursday, bringing heavy rain at many places over north coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal and a few places over north Tamil Nadu until December 19, 2024.
As squally weather with wind speeds of up to 55 kmph is likely to prevail along and off the Tamil Nadu coast, adjoining Comorin area and Gulf of Mannar, fishermen have been advised not to venture into the above sea areas until December 19. Fisheries officials have instructed fishermen to stay onshore due to unfavourable weather conditions.
Owing to poor weather conditions, more than 300 mechanised fishing vessels and 4000 country craft boats remained on shore, said an official, adding a few had ventured into sea defying the advisory.
Meanwhile, fishers rued that the incessant rain due to the northeast monsoon has been affecting their livelihood. "We have gone fishing just one or two days in December," said Alex Raj, a fisherman.
"While some private researchers have allowed fishing, IMD alone has prohibited Thoothukudi fishermen from fishing citing poor weather conditions," said a fishermen’s leader, adding that this has led to confusion among the fishers.
Farmers flag crop damage
Farmers from Vilathikulam said crops such as chilly, onion, coriander, black gram, green gram, and maize have been damaged following inundation due to the recent rains. The crops which were nearing the yielding stage have decayed, they stated.
Further, the farmers said they are yet to receive insurance relief for crop damage caused a year ago and the officials must not delay the survey. They also urged the district administration to provide compensation for the crop damage.