THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A security alert has been announced in the state due to severe sea storms in Alappuzha, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Thrissur districts. 500 houses in four districts were flooded. Around 100 families were relocated. Fishing and venturing into the sea have been prohibited. The unexpected high waves caused fear of a tsunami among the coastal residents, leading to widespread panic.
Strong waves hit the shore yesterday afternoon. This is the 'Kallakkadal' phenomenon that occurs during summer and lasts up to three days.
Parts of Puthanthope, Adimalathura, Pozhiyoor and Poonthura in Thiruvananthapuram were flooded. The premises of the houses and roads were flooded. The boats collided and got damaged. There were strong waves in Kovalam. Tourists are prohibited from entering the sea. 10 families were evacuated in Pozhiyoor. Okhi Park was destroyed due to rough seas. 50 houses in Kollamkode - Neerodi area got flooded.
40 houses were flooded in Vellanathuruthu in Kollam's Alappad, Cheriyazheekal, Azheekal Beach and Kollam Beach. In Alappuzha, sea attack intensified at Purakkadu, Valanjavazhi and Pallithode. In the morning, the sea receded about 30 meters on the coast of Purakkadu. In the afternoon the sea came up to the shore beyond the sea wall. Coastal residents say that the high waves are similar to a tsunami. Nets were damaged due to rough seas in Perinjanam in Thrissur.
There was a protest over the failure of the Disaster Management Authority to issue a warning.
'Kallakkadal' phenomenon
The 'kallakkadal' or swell waves phenomenon is caused by strong winds in the Indian Ocean. The waves formed at a distance of 4000-5000 km in the open sea due to strong winds becomes huge waves when they approach the shore. During the travel of thousands of kilometres, the height and force of the waves increases. The swell during tides lead to stronger waves. It is named 'Kallakadal' because of its sudden arrival at the shore.
Two days of vigilance