Strong winds trigger seawater ingress in Vedaranyam region

Strong sea winds sweeping across the coastal belt of Vedaranyam since Tuesday have led to seawater entering low-lying areas on Wednesday, prompting temporary preventive measures by the Water Resources Department (WRD).

According to local residents, strong southerly winds are common in Vedaranyam region during April and May. The sea level usually rises and wind speeds intensify during new moon and full moon days.

Officials said that unusually strong winds had been blowing since Monday afternoon, causing frequent power interruptions as tree branches came into contact with power lines.

Meanwhile, seawater entered the Puthu Aaru region through Pattani Kandi, a breached portion near the estuary of the Mulliyaaru located between Vaimedu and Thennadar villages. Farmers expressed concern that the intrusion of saline water could affect groundwater quality and damage agricultural fields in the area.

Normally, the WRD constructs a temporary earthen bund in the Kandi area during April to prevent seawater ingress. However, officials said the work was delayed this year owing to various reasons including adverse weather-related conditions.

Following the seawater intrusion, WRD personnel intensified temporary restoration works. Labourers were engaged on Tuesday morning in placing sandbags to block the inflow of seawater. Frequent power outages continued on Wednesday as wind speeds remained high across the region.

Salt pan operators were also undertaking measures to prevent seawater entering production fields through canals including the 100-feet channel in Uppalam area.

With the sea turning rough due to strong winds, country boat fishermen from Kodiyakkarai and Arukatuthurai did not venture into the sea for the second consecutive day on Wednesday.