2.6 metre high waves hit Visakhapatnam road

Visakhapatnam: A team of experts from the Andhra University said that the tidal waves measuring 2.6 metres that hit the city’s coast on December 31 could be the reason for the disastrous erosion that took place over the last three to four days.

They visited the coast from Yoga Village to YMCA on Sunday to find solutions to coastal erosion.

Prof. G.S.N. Raju, Vice-Chancellor, who guided the team, said they had observed the height of tides since the last 10 days.

The height of the  waves touched 2.6 metres on December 31 and it battered the coast. Committee coordinator Prof. K.V.S.R. Prasad said that the seawall to protect human habitations should spread further along the coast.

The wall normally provides some defense between the sea and the associated coastal processes that directly affect coastal landforms. The purpose of a seawall is to protect areas of human habitation, conservation and leisure activities from tides and waves, he explained.

The varsity appointed a committee comprising faculty members from meteorology, oceanography, civil engineering, geology, geo-engineering and geo-physics departments to find a solution to coastal erosion.

The problem of erosion has been frequently occurring after 2007 and the team said that there should be a comprehensive plan of action involving experts from all related wings. Meanwhile, the coast finally had some respite from the severe strain  as a result of normal weather.