Kerala Kallakkadal Waves:  The "kallakkadal phenomenon" is expected to hit the coastal parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu on January 15, according to a warning from the central agency. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) states that there is a potential risk of sea surge because the locations are expected to have waves of up to 0.5 to 1.0 metres until 11:30 pm on the day.

The Kerala Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) here recommended coastal residents to relocate to safer places from the danger-prone areas in accordance with the authorities' directives in light of the warning from the INCOIS, the organisation that offers weather alerts for fishermen nationwide.

What Are 'Kallakkadal' Waves?

The word 'kallakkadal' literally translates to a sea that appears out of nowhere like a thief.

Strong winds in the southern Indian Ocean can cause waves at specific periods, according to INCOIS, and they happen abruptly with no prior notice or warning. Thus, the term 'kallakkadal'.

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According to an official statement, residents of coastal areas are encouraged to carefully moor their fishing boats in the harbour and refrain from going out to sea in small boats or country boats.

Additionally, until the alert is lifted, the authorities warned against engaging in any type of beach tourism.

The KSDMA further stated that increased attention should be paid to the risks of coastline erosion brought on by the surf surge.