Fishermen, sailors warned of rough tides in Indian Ocean

The Meteorological Department in Lamu has cautioned fishermen and sailors against using three key channels in the Indian Ocean due to rough tides.

County Director of Meteorological Services David Mwaruma told ocean users to avoid using Mkanda Channel, Manda Bruno and Mlango wa Tanu, particularly between 3.30am and 4.30am and around 3pm to avoid mishaps.

He said during these times, the ocean’s tidal pressure is usually at its worst and that there is a high possibly for those in the sea to be overpowered by the strong tides, resulting to accidents.

“Since January, we have witnessed very strong winds in the Indian Ocean. The changes at sea are caused by high temperatures being experienced. The high temperatures are contributing to the strong winds that in turn are fuelling very high tides,” said Mr Mwaruma.

AVOID DEEP SEA

The weatherman appealed to all the fishermen and sailors in the region to desist from venturing deep into the ocean.

“We are cautioning locals, fishermen and sailors to avoid deep seas or venturing out between 3.30am and 4.30am. That’s the time the tides are worse. We need to exercise caution to avoid any disaster this season,” said Mr Mwaruma.

However, he said the situation is expected to normalise once the rainy season starts towards the end of April since the temperatures will have dropped by then.

SEA WALLS

Meanwhile, residents of Lamu, Shella, Faza, Pate, Kizingitini, Ndau, Kiunga and Mkokoni islands have appealed to the county and national governments to raise the seawalls in the islands to avoid disasters.

Many times when Lamu is experiencing high tides, ocean water always bursts through the current sea walls and floods their roads, houses and business premises.

“Let the county and national governments think of raising these seawalls. Once they are raised, we won’t have to deal with such messes. Sometimes our houses are flooded with the open sewers literally flowing into them,” said Mr Mohamed Athman.