What is Kallakkadal Coastal Flooding: Cause and Mechanism

Context
o Recently, Kerala, India, experienced coastal flooding known
as Kallakkadal, induced by remote oceanic storms.
o This instance, set off by a South Atlantic Ocean low-pressure
area, led to the inundation of numerous homes across the
districts of Alappuzha, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram.
What is Kallakkadal?
o Kallakkadal is a type of coastal flooding unique to the pre-
monsoon period (April-May) on India's southwest coast,
characterised by swell waves.
o The term, approved by UNESCO in 2012, combines the
Malayalam words for 'thief' (Kallan) and 'sea' (Kadal),
symbolising the sea's sudden and unexpected encroachment.
Cause and Mechanism of Kallakkadal
o Triggered by distant ocean storms, Kallakkadal results from
swell waves generated by strong winds or storms in the
ocean, far from the local area.
o Specifically, the phenomenon is often due to strong winds in
the southern Indian Ocean, with the latest event prompted by
a low-pressure system from the South Atlantic Ocean,
creating swell waves up to 11 metres high.

Recent Events
o Recent flooding affected hundreds of houses in Kerala's
Alappuzha, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram districts,
following a low atmospheric pressure system around March
25, originating 10,000 kilometres away.
o Waves began impacting Kerala and Lakshadweep, with the
swell surge forecasted to continue affecting the western coast
for two more days before diminishing.
Warning Systems and Measures
o The Swell Surge Forecast System, introduced by the Indian
National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) in
2020, enables seven-day advance warnings, aiding in the
preparation and mitigation against Kallakkadal.
o However, predicting Kallakkadal poses difficulties due to its
sudden onset without prior signs or local wind movements.
 o In these cases, the indigenous knowledge of fishermen and
coastal dwellers becomes invaluable for recognizing and
reacting to such phenomena.

Distinction Between Tsunami and Kallakkadal

Forecast and Precautions of Kallakkadal

o The swell surge is expected to move towards the Tamil Nadu
coast, with high waves anticipated on Tuesday night.
o INCOIS has issued warnings for coastal areas prone to sea
erosion, advising precautionary measures and the
safeguarding of fishing vessels.