The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Rumours halt fishing activities in Tuticorin

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jan 20, 2005

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Rumours halt fishing activities in Tuticorin

By Our Staff Reporter

TUTICORIN, JAN. 19. The fishing activities along the 163-km coast in this district came to a standstill today, following rumours of another tsunami.

It all started with officials of the Fisheries Department putting up a warning at a public notice board near the old harbour on Tuesday evening about the possibility of weather turning rough in the Gulf of Mannar before this evening.

It mentioned the chances of a drastic rise in the sea level and a cyclonic storm.

Sources said these `unclear' warnings frightened fisherfolk, who did not venture into the sea.

Some fishermen told The Hindu that when they contacted the officials this morning, they were warned against venturing into the sea, as there were chances of high waves and a storm. Immediately the town was rife with rumours that a tsunami strike was impending. Those residing on the coast started calling up revenue and police officials to get confirmation.

Senior officials contacted the Fisheries Department and told the people not to panic. The Fisheries Department also withdrew its warning by afternoon.

However, fishermen did not resume fishing till this evening.

When contacted, officials in to the office of Assistant Director (Marine) of the Fisheries Department said the warning was based on a message from the Meteorological Department through the Directorate of Fisheries on Tuesday evening.

The message, which reached here at about 3.15 p.m., indicated that winds with a speed of 35-45 knots was expected across the Gulf of Mannar in the northwest direction, the region could witness isolated rainfall and that the sea would be rough.

The officials said they did not ask anyone not to venture into the sea. "All we asked them was to be cautious while going into the sea."

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