April 29, 2005
India Daily
According to sources, some giant waves of 6 to 8 feet in height is causing serious panic in Indian coastal areas. According to some experts these are caused by slow artificial tectonic plate shifts. Officials are saying these are not Tsunamis. But some argue these are controlled Tsunamis resulting from controlled tectonic plate shifts and resulting landslides somewhere in Indian Ocean.
According to media sources, Giant waves have been lashing some parts of Andhra Pradesh coast leading to panic, but experts have assured people that there is no threat of another tsunami.
Six to seven ft tall waves struck Uppada beach, about 20 km from the port town of Kakinada in East Godavari district, on Thursday. People living in other coastal villages in Prakasam district also experienced the unusually high tidal waves. No loss of life or property was reported.
Though the sea was calm at Kakinada port, the authorities stopped cargo operation as a precautionary measure. Fishing boats in the port channel were also stopped. The unusual phenomenon revived memories of the killer tsunami of December 26 and fishermen and others living near the coast ran to safety. Experts said the waves were not warning signs of another tsunami, which killed 280,000 people all over the world, more than 10,000 in India and 105 in Andhra Pradesh.
"Ever since the December 26 quake, which triggered the tsunami, changes have been occurring in the ocean. The cause of this turbulence may be landslides and movement of rocks in continental shelves," explained JVM. Naidu, director of the Visakhapatnam Cyclone Warning Centre. He added that while there was no need for panic, people along the coast should take precautions. The colour of the waves, said eyewitnesses were normal unlike the tsunami waves. The unusual tidal waves were first experienced Wednesday night at Uppada and seen again on Thursday morning and evening at various coastal points.
"I have never seen such high tidal waves," said Bopanna, a fisherman in Uppada. He and dozens of others stopped fishing and moved to higher places. East Godavari district collector K.S. Jawahar Reddy said the administration had taken all precautions. Senior officials were deputed to places where the high tidal waves were seen to take up evacuation and relief, if necessary. District administrations in Prakasam and Nellore districts were also on alert, ready to evacuate if the need arises.
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