Strong waves still batter Shanghumughom beach

Strong waves lashing the city’s coast since Friday night have taken away a major portion of the Shanghumughom beach.

High waves in the range of 3 to 3.5 meters are forecast from 5.30 p.m. on Saturday to 11.30 p.m. on Monday along the coast of Kerala from Vizhinjam to Kasaragod. Current speeds vary between 100-174 centimetre per second.

Strong winds from Northwesterly direction with speed occasionally reaching 30-40 kmph gusting to 50 kmph is likely along and off Kerala coasts and over Lakshadweep area. Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea along and off Kerala, Karnataka coasts, Lakshadweep area, and Comorin area during May 26 to 30.

With more portions of the road running parallel to the Shanghumugham beach caving in under the onslaught of the waves, authorities and residents are now scared at the possibility of the road being cut off, when the wave action worsens.

The waves have now reached till the long walkway, carving away portions of its foundation in various parts. As the waves have taken away all the sand from below the walkway, there is a steep drop right after the walkway, along the entire length of the beach. Many of the visitors are hence staying away from the walkway and staying safely on the road beside it.

The waves have advanced further in the areas where the walkway structure is not present. This is where the road has caved in too. In the last week of April, the district administration decided to impose restrictions on traffic through the area. The one-lane traffic through a section of the road remains in force even now. With more portions of the road caving in, the restrictions could be expected to be extended for several more days.

“If the walkway and the concrete debris were not present, the damage would have been even worse. Much of the road would have been washed away by now. But, we feel that worse is in store in the coming days. The waves have not retreated much ever since it started advancing last month. With monsoon also round the corner, some steps should be taken to protect the beach and the road,” says James, a fishworker.

Compared to the scene on Shanghumughom beach, the Valiyathura coast, which bore the brunt of swell waves last month, was relatively peaceful. But, there too, the water has not receded from some areas and many families continue to live in relief centres.