THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Though the State Government delivered an Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) warning on a depression over the South Arabian Sea to many in the coastal community, this alone wouldn’t prevent casualties if another cyclone like Ockhi hits, say experts. The Navy and Coast Guard informed mariners about possible rough weather but there are thousands of boats in the sea at any given point of time. The communication systems, to reach out to those already in the sea since the past few days are limited. The position or location of fishing vessels cannot be traced in the absence of a two-way communication.
“Post Ockhi the people in the coastal area use Whatsapp group and informal communication methods to broadcast warnings. Mobile phones have limited range but communication for a few hundred kilometres is necessary,” said Robert Panipilla, the Chief Coordinator of NGO Friends for Marine Life. While there were plans to start land-based community radio stations for the purpose, the expected range of these stations on the sea will be a maximum of 50kms.The fishing boats from the state go far beyond this point.
On Saturday night, on account of the possible rough weather, revenue officials relayed information to fishermen organisations and religious organisations. Those who fish in the 12km to 15km range were informed about the weather and many did not set out to sea on or after Sunday. Over 170 fishermen were killed in Cyclone Ockhi that hit the state in December, last year. As per promises made after this, the state government was to improve communications, form a task force of local fishermen and train them in rescue.
