Swell waves reach Kerala coast; inundation likely in low-lying areas by August 20

The high-period swell waves from the southern Indian Ocean have now reached southern Tamil Nadu and Kerala coasts and started interacting with the coastal regions, confirmed the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), the agency that provides forecasts on the state of the ocean for the seas surrounding India during extreme weather conditions like high waves and swell conditions, and cyclones.

This has been confirmed by INCOIS off Kozhikode, Kanyakumari, and Thoothukudi. As the swell system continues to interact with the coast and is expected to persist till the end of August 20, wave surges and inundation in low-lying areas of the coastal regions in Kerala, south Tamil Nadu districts, and Lakshadweep islands may occur from the evening hours of Thursday (August 20, 2026).

Fishermen and coastal population in the districts, where an alert has been issued, are cautioned for surging waves (gushing of sea water) intermittently in the nearshore and beach regions, particularly in the low-lying areas. The public and fishermen have been advised not to ply small vessels nearshore along the coast of Kerala.

Boats may be anchored at a fair distance from each other to avoid collision and damage. The authorities have suspended all operational and recreational activities, including all tourism activities, at the beach and nearshore region. As the low-lying coastal areas are particularly vulnerable, the INCOIS is monitoring the situation.

INCOIS issues the forecasts using multi-model numerical ocean prediction systems, integrated with real-time observations from moored buoys, wave rider buoys, and other ocean observing platforms, including observations from the southern Indian Ocean.