"There is a possibility of rough seas due to high waves of 0.5 to 1.5 metres during this period," according to the INCOIS.
Published May 04, 2024 | 7:00 AM ⚊ Updated May 04, 2024 | 7:00 AM
Rough seas. (Representational/ iStock)
The coastal areas of Kerala and southern Tamil Nadu are likely to experience the ‘kallakkadal‘ phenomenon from 2.30 am on Saturday to 11.30 pm on Sunday, 5 May, weather agencies said, issuing alerts to fishermen and coastal residents.
This marks the first time a red alert has been issued for the phenomenon of ‘Kallakkadal’ — the sudden swell of the seas causing rough waves — by the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in this part of the country, officials said
“There is a possibility of rough seas due to high waves of 0.5-1.5 metres during this period,” according to the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS).
INCOIS, the central agency that issues weather warnings for fishermen in the country, advised people to safely moor their fishing vessels in the harbour.
#Kerala received a red alert warning for a swell surge from @ndmaindia – @ESSO_INCOIS
Earlier, @KeralaSDMA shared an alert from @ESSO_INCOIS that the Kerala coasts might witness a swell surge from May 4 at 2.30 am to May 5 at 11.30 pm
During this time, rough seas might occur,… pic.twitter.com/wPb7EApBes
— South First (@TheSouthfirst) May 3, 2024
“Red alert for swell surge warning has been received from NDMA-INCOIS,” a Kerala Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) official said.
In a statement, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) and other weather agencies advised people to stay away from danger zones as per the instructions of the authorities, as the rough sea conditions are likely to intensify.
“Keeping a safe distance between boats can avoid the risk of collision. The safety of fishing equipment should be ensured,” they said in a statement.
The agencies also advised people to avoid trips to the beach and completely stay away from activities at sea.
1. As the sea fury is likely to intensify, one should stay away from the danger areas as per the instructions of the authorities.
2. Keep fishing vessels safely tied up in the harbour. Maintain a safe distance between the boats to avoid the risk of collision. The safety of fishing equipment should be ensured.
3. Avoid trips to the beach and recreation at sea completely.
4. People are to be restricted from all beaches from 10 pm tonight.
The term ‘kallakkadal‘ literally means a sea that comes suddenly like a thief.
INCOIS has said that the swells result from strong winds in the southern part of the Indian Ocean at certain times and that they occur suddenly without any particular indications or warning. Hence the name ‘kallakkadal‘.
(With PTI inputs)
