Tamil Nadu beaches closed, fishing halted after tidal surge warning

In Ramanathapuram, hundreds of fishing vessels, including bottom trawlers and country craft boats, did not venture into the sea after INCOIS issued a Swell Surge (Kallakadal) warning along the Gulf of Mannar on Wednesday. Tourists were prohibited from visiting beaches in Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari districts.

According to a bulletin released by 11 am, INCOIS said high-period swells had reached the south Tamil Nadu and Kerala coasts. The warning predicted high waves ranging from 2.5 to 2.7 meters for two days starting from the evening of August 19, affecting coastal areas of Kerala, south Tamil Nadu districts, and Lakshadweep islands. Fishermen were advised to anchor their vessels at a safe distance.