Swell waves likely to strike coastal areas over weekend: INCOIS
The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) on Friday alerted the coastal States of Goa, Maharastra West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Lakshwadeep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands, of the possibility of high-energy swell waves over the weekend.
It also urged “total suspension of operational/recreational activities at beach/nearshore regions” on Saturday and Sunday.
Fishermen and coastal populations have been advised to be cautious about a possible surge of waves, such as gushing of sea water intermittently in the nearshore or beach regions, particularly in lowlying areas.
Senior scientist and Group Director T. Balakrishnan Nair said high-period swells had started approximately 10,000 km away from the Indian coast on April 26 in the southern Atlantic Ocean. This had caused “high-energy swell propagation” towards the Indian coastal regions which is expected to hit the southern tip of India in the early hours of Saturday. These long-period swells combined with high tide conditions can cause coastal ooding in low-lying areas, he said.
Small vessels should not be plying nearshore and boats may be anchored at a fair distance from each other to avoid damage, he added.
Meanwhile, coastal communities in Kerala were advised to remain vigilant with State being put on red alert for high-energy swell waves. The phenomenon, known locally as ‘ Kallakadal’ (rogue sea), is likely to last till 11.30 p.m. on Sunday. Low-lying areas could experience 0.5 metre to 1.7-metre high swell waves.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) issued directions for suspending recreational activities along the beaches. Coastal residents have also been advised to temporarily evacuate if the need arises. This is the rst instance of a red alert being issued for the State in connection with the Kallakadal phenomenon, KSDMA member secretary Sekhar Kuriakose said.