Kerala weather: Swell surge waves alert issued for beaches, tourists urged to exercise caution

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services said that there is a possibility of swell surge waves, aka 'kallakadal,' on the Kerala and Tamil Nadu beaches on the morning of January 21. The phenomenon is expected in Kerala until 8.30 am, and waves can swell from 0.5 metres to 1 metres. Warnings have been issued for fisherfolk and coastal residents, and tourists are also advised to remain vigilant. All beach-related tourism activities should be avoided until the alerts are lifted. Swell surges or freak waves can also cause intense winds, coastal erosion and flooding, disturbance of marine life, an increase in the height of waves, strong currents, and, rarely, seismic activity. "Kalavastha" has been gaining traction on Google Trends for the past two hours, search volumes surpassing 100K.

Here are a few guidelines for tourists to ensure their safety:
1) Refrain from beach activities and stay away from the shoreline until warnings are withdrawn. Waves can be dangerous, unpredictable and powerful during the 'kallakadal' phenomenon.
2) Stay updated about the official warnings on the phenomenon from reliable news sources. If evacuation orders are in place, move to a safe area without wasting time.
3) Keep info about safe evacuation routes, emergency contact points, safety protocols and more handy.
4) If you are not familiar with your area, hire a local guide and expert to travel with to avoid risks. Learn about the risks involved with various local geographical conditions from them.
5) Refrain from consuming alcohol, as it can impair your judgement and slow you down during a possible emergency.