Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the INCOIS has issued a warning for high waves along the Kerala coast.
Published Apr 01, 2024 | 12:32 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 01, 2024 | 12:32 PM
Sea water enters residential area near Pulluvila, Thiruvananthapuram. (Supplied)
Strong waves and rough seas wreaked havoc in several coastal hamlets of Kerala on Sunday, 31 March, flooding houses and roads and damaging boats and fishing equipment.
The unexpected high tides and surges in the water level were experienced in the coastal areas of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, and Thrissur districts.
While several houses and roads were flooded in Adimalathura, Pozhiyur, and Poonthura in Thiruvananthapuram due to the rough sea, tourists were restricted from venturing to the ocean in nearby Kovalam, official sources said.
Rough seas were reported in the Purakkad, Cherthala and Pallithodu areas of Alappuzha while strong winds and high tides damaged fishing nets in some areas in Thrissur, the local residents said.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has issued a warning for high waves along the Kerala coast.
പുതുക്കിയ ഉയർന്ന തിരമാല ജാഗ്രത നിർദ്ദേശം
കേരള തീരത്തും തെക്കൻ തമിഴ്നാട് തീരത്തും ഇന്ന് (31-03-2024) രാത്രി 11.30 വരെ 0.5 മുതൽ 1.5 മീറ്റർ വരെ ഉയർന്ന തിരമാലയ്ക്കും കടലാക്രമണത്തിനും സാധ്യതയുണ്ടെന്ന് (INCOIS) അറിയിച്ചു.
തീയതി: 05.30 PM; 31-03-2024IMD-INCOIS-KSDMA-KSEOC
— Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (@KeralaSDMA) March 31, 2024
Vijayan urged the fishermen and coastal residents to exercise caution.
“With rough seas expected to intensify, it is imperative that people steer clear of danger zones in accordance with authorities’ instructions,” Vijayan said.
He said the fishing vessels should be securely moored in the harbour, ensuring a safe distance between each vessel to prevent damages due to collisions.
In the wake of the rough seas, the District Disaster Management Authority in Thiruvananthapuram has directed the District Tourism Promotion Council to temporarily ban tourism activities in the coastal areas of Thiruvananthapuram.
The District Medical Officer (DMO) has been entrusted with the task of distributing first aid kits and essential life-saving medicines in flood-affected houses and relief camps, the Authority said in a statement.
Until further notice, tourism activities would not be allowed in coastal areas for the next three days, it added.
The State Disaster Management Authority sources said the phenomenon is likely to continue for one more day.
State Minister Saji Cheriyan said in a Facebook post that sea incursion seemed to be decreasing in many areas and the situation is being monitored by the government.
He also said steps have been taken to ensure the safety of the fishermen’s community in affected areas.
Meanwhile, Thiruvananthapuram NDA candidate, Rajeev Chandrasekhar alleged that the intrusion of seawater in the coastal area of the state capital was due to the neglect of the ruling LDF and the opposition UDF.
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