Red alert declared for Kerala coast over looming "kallakadal" and high waves

Red alert has been issued for every coastal district of Kerala after the National Institute of Oceanographic Sciences (INCOIS) warned of a possible "kallakadal" event and unusually strong waves. The warning covers the period from 02:30 am on Saturday to 02:30 am on Monday. INCOIS expects wave heights between one and 1.5 metres and a chance of sea intrusion during that window. Low‑lying areas along the shoreline are especially vulnerable to water flooding and inland surge. The alert is not limited to Kerala; similar caution has been sent to Tamil Nadu’s Kanyakumari, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli coasts, as well as the Lakshadweep islands. Residents in those regions are advised to stay alert and avoid unnecessary travel near the waterline. Authorities will monitor tide levels and issue further updates if conditions change. The precaution aims to reduce damage and protect lives as the sea state intensifies across the southern Indian coast.