Cyclone alert: strong winds lash Ramanathapuram coast

The Tamil Nadu government has issued a strong warning about intensifying winds over the Bay of Bengal, prompting immediate safety measures along the Ramanathapuram coast. Following an alert from the Meteorological Department, the Fisheries Department has imposed a temporary ban on both motorboat and country boat fishermen in the district from venturing into the sea, effective today and continuing until further orders.
As a result, permission tokens for fishing were not issued in the Rameswaram and Mandapam areas this morning. The district has already been experiencing heavy rainfall for the past two days, adding to the concerns. More than a thousand boats now remain anchored and secured along the coasts of Rameswaram, Pamban and Mandapam, while country boat fishermen also stayed ashore in compliance with the advisory.
The abrupt suspension of fishing activities has impacted over 50,000 fishermen and others dependent on the coastal economy in the Rameswaram port region. Usually bustling fishing hubs such as Pamban wore a quiet, deserted look as strong winds swept through the coastline.
In Dhanushkodi, the sea turned unusually rough under the influence of the cyclone, prompting police to intensify patrols and restrict tourists from approaching the water. Similar turbulent conditions were reported across Rameswaram, Pamban, Thangachimadam and Mandapam, with authorities continuing to monitor the situation closely.