Thiruvananthapuram: Strong waves and rough seas wreaked havoc in several coastal hamlets of Kerala on Sunday flooding houses and roads and damaging boats and fishing equipment.
The unexpected high tides and surge in the water level was experienced in the coastal areas of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Thrissur districts.
While several houses and roads were flooded in Adimalathura, Pozhiyur and Poonthura here due to the rough sea, tourists were restricted from venturing to the ocean in nearby Kovalam, official sources said.
Rough seas were reported in Purakkad, Cherthala and Pallithodu areas of Alappuzha while strong winds and high tides damaged fishing nets in some areas in Thrissur, 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.
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 harbor, 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 here 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 safety of the fishermen community in affected areas.
Meanwhile, Thiruvananthapuram NDA candidate, Rajeev Chandrasekhar alleged that the intrusion of sea water in the coastal area of the state capital was due to the neglect of ruling LDF and the opposition UDF.
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