IMD Issues High Wave Alert for Gujarat Coast; Fishermen Warned Against Venturing into Sea Till July 24

Ahmedabad: High waves of up to 4.3 metres are expected along several parts of the Gujarat coastline until July 21, prompting authorities to advise against marine activities and the operation of small vessels. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has issued high wave alerts for multiple coastal districts, while the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned fishermen not to venture into the sea along the Gujarat coast until July 24 due to rough sea conditions and squally weather.

According to INCOIS, the highest waves of 4.0 to 4.3 metres are forecast along the Devbhumi Dwarka coast from Vadinar to Harshad Miyani. Waves between 3.9 and 4.2 metres are also expected along the coasts of Porbandar, Gir Somnath, and Junagadh, while Kachchh is likely to witness waves of 3.3 to 3.6 metres on July 21. The Amreli coast is expected to experience comparatively lower wave heights of 2.9 to 3.0 metres.

Authorities have advised that small vessels should not ply, nearshore recreational activities should remain suspended, and people should stay away from the shoreline as wave surges and coastal erosion are possible in the affected areas.

Separately, the IMD has issued a five-day fishermen warning for both the north and south Gujarat coasts from July 20 to July 24. The department said a steep pressure gradient over the region is likely to generate squally winds of 40-55 kmph, gusting up to 65 kmph, accompanied by very rough sea conditions.

The warning covers the north Gujarat coast, including Jakhau, Mandvi, Mundra, New Kandla, Navlakhi, Salaya, Okha, Bedi, Sikka, and Porbandar, as well as the south Gujarat coast, including Mul Dwarka, Veraval, Diu, Jafrabad, Pipavav, Port Victor, Bhavnagar, Alang, Bharuch, Dahej, Magdalla, and Daman.

The IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea in the affected areas during the warning period, particularly between July 20 and July 23, when the strongest winds and roughest sea conditions are expected. Weather conditions are expected to improve on July 24, when no warning has been issued. DeshGujarat