Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has issued a red alert along the entire Keralam coast, warning of high waves and possible Kallakkadal conditions, officials said on Saturday.
Kallakkadal refers to the sudden rise of seawater and formation of high, rough waves along the coast.
As per the alert issued by the INCOIS late Friday night, waves measuring 1.0 to 1.5 metres are likely along the Keralam coast from 2.30 am on September 26 to 2.30 am on September 28.
Coastal areas, particularly low-lying regions, are likely to face inundation and sea erosion, the warning said.
Special caution has been advised along the coastal stretches of Thiruvananthapuram from Kappil to Pozhiyoor, Kollam from Alappad to Edava, Alappuzha from Chellanam to Azhikkal Jetty, Ernakulam from Munambam FH to Maruvakkad, Thrissur from Aattupuram to Kodungallur, Malappuram from Kadalundi Nagaram to Palappetty, Kozhikode from Chombal FH to Ramanattukara, Kannur from Valapattanam to New Mahe and Kasaragod from Kunjathur to Kottakkunnu.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, in a statement, said similar warnings had been issued for the coastal areas of Kanyakumari, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli districts in Tamil Nadu, as well as the Lakshadweep coast.
Fishermen and coastal residents have been advised to exercise extreme caution in view of the possibility of rough seas, it said.
People in vulnerable areas have been advised to move to safer locations as directed by authorities.
Launching small boats and fishing vessels into the sea should be avoided during the warning period, KSDMA said.
It cautioned fishermen against bringing vessels ashore when waves intensify, as attempting to land boats during high-wave and Kallakkadal conditions could also be dangerous.
All beach-centred activities, including tourism, should be avoided until the INCOIS warning is withdrawn.
People have also been advised against travelling to beaches or entering the sea for recreational activities and asked to remain particularly vigilant in areas vulnerable to coastal erosion, KSDMA said.
-PTI
