Rough seas wreak havoc in coastal Kerala
A bout of rough seas has brought chaos to several coastal communities in Kerala, prompting authorities to take swift action. The District Disaster Management Authority has instructed the District Tourism Promotion Council to impose a temporary ban on tourism activities in Thiruvananthapuram’s coastal areas.
On Sunday, strong waves and turbulent seas wreaked havoc in numerous coastal hamlets, causing flooding in homes and roads and damaging boats and fishing gear. The abrupt rise in water levels caught many off guard, affecting regions across Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, and Thrissur districts.
In areas like Adimalathura, Pozhiyur, and Poonthura, homes and streets were submerged due to rough seas, prompting officials to restrict tourist access to the sea in nearby Kovalam. Alarming reports of rough seas also emerged from Purakkad, Cherthala, and Pallithodu in Alappuzha, with residents noting the destruction of fishing nets in Thrissur.
Responding to the crisis, the District Disaster Management Authority has directed efforts towards relief operations. The District Medical Officer (DMO) has been tasked with distributing first aid kits and essential medicines to flood-affected households and relief camps.
As a precautionary measure, tourism activities in coastal areas will be suspended for the next three days, as announced by the Authority. Additionally, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has issued warnings of high tides and rough seas along the Kerala and south Tamil Nadu coasts.
Despite the challenges, State Minister Saji Cheriyan assured the public of ongoing monitoring and safety measures. Efforts are underway to safeguard the fishing community in affected regions, as the government remains vigilant in managing the situation.
