Archive · 19 Aug 2026
INCOIS Issues Swell Surge Warning for Kerala, Tamil Nadu Coasts
The ocean may send unusually large waves toward parts of India.
This is called a swell surge.
The waves began far away in the southern Indian Ocean and traveled toward the coast.
Kerala, southern Tamil Nadu, and the Lakshadweep islands may be affected.
The warning applies from the evening of August 19 to the evening of August 20.
Seawater could rush into low-lying coastal areas.
Fishermen and people living near the coast should stay alert.
Small boats should remain away from the shore, and beach activities should stop during the warning.
INCOIS issued a critical swell surge warning for Kerala, southern Tamil Nadu, and Lakshadweep.
High-period swells from the southern Indian Ocean have reached the Kerala and south Tamil Nadu coasts.
Surging waves and flooding of low-lying coastal areas may occur from the evening of August 19 to the evening of August 20.
Coastal residents and fishermen were told to remain alert for intermittently gushing seawater near beaches and shorelines.
Small vessels should avoid nearshore areas, while beach and nearshore operational and recreational activities should be suspended.
- Who
- The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services issued the warning for coastal residents, fishermen, and vessel operators.
- What
- A critical swell surge warning has been issued because surging waves could cause seawater inundation.
- When
- From the evening of August 19 until the evening of August 20, covering Wednesday and Thursday.
- Where
- The coasts of Kerala, southern Tamil Nadu, and the Lakshadweep islands.
- Why
- High-period swells from the southern Indian Ocean have reached the coasts, and their interaction with coastal areas is expected to continue until August 20.
- Issuing agency
- Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)
- Alert type
- Critical or severe swell surge warning
- Affected areas
- Kerala, southern Tamil Nadu, and the Lakshadweep islands
- Warning period
- Evening of August 19 through evening of August 20
- Expected hazard
- Surging waves and inundation of low-lying coastal areas
- Vessel advice
- Small vessels should not operate nearshore; boats should be anchored with sufficient separation to avoid collisions and damage
- Public safety advice
- Suspend operational and recreational activities at beaches and nearshore regions
