High waves along Kerala coast: Kozhikode Collector bans entry to beaches

Authorities in Kozhikode have ordered a complete ban on public access to all beaches across the district following severe ocean alerts along the Kerala coastline.

The safety directives were issued by the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) in response to the threat of Kallakkadal, a phenomenon characterised by sudden, high-energy swell surges.

Under orders issued by District Collector M. S. Madhavikutty, entry to all seafronts in the district is strictly prohibited from midnight on August 19 until midnight on August 20. The ban applies to tourists, local visitors, and seaside vendors alike. The public are strictly forbidden from swimming, venturing into the water, or walking along the shoreline. The safety measures cover the entire coast, including popular hubs such as Beypore, officials said.

Kallakkadal, literally meaning “thief ocean” in Malayalam, refers to flash flooding caused by powerful ocean swells generated by distant storms thousands of miles away in the Southern Hemisphere. Because these high-energy waves arrive without the typical warnings of local rain or stormy weather, they can inundate shorelines without notice, making coastal areas particularly hazardous for beachgoers and fishermen.

Such occurrences are not entirely unprecedented along the northern Kerala coastline. In October 2025, Kozhikode Beach saw dramatic ocean recession where the waterline pulled back by nearly 200 metres before returning rapidly causing initial tsunami scares before meteorologists confirmed it as a typical Kallakkadal swell event.

Local fishermen have been instructed not to venture out to sea or launch country craft and small traditional boats. Fishing vessels docked at Beypore Port, Koyilandy Harbour, and surrounding landing centres must be moored securely at a safe distance from one another to prevent collisions caused by turbulent waves.

To ensure widespread compliance, the Fisheries Department is conducting tannoy announcements across coastal fishing settlements, including Beypore and Koyilandy. Joint patrols by the Coastal Police, Marine Enforcement, the Fisheries Department, and the Beypore Regional Port Officer have been stepped up to maintain strict surveillance along the shore.

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According to the official marine forecast, waves measuring between 1.2 and 1.9 metres in height with long wave periods of 16 to 21 seconds are expected to hit the coast from 2.30 a.m. on August 19 through to 5.30 p.m. on August 20. Meteorologists warn that these high-energy waves could trigger swift coastal flooding, severe beach erosion, and damage to anchored boats.

The DDMA emphasised that restrictions will remain in force till midnight on August 20 or until the threat subsides. Authorities cautioned that anyone violating the safety directives will face prosecution under the relevant provisions of the Disaster Management Act.

(The writer, Aleesha V. Joseph is an intern with The Hindu)