Visakhapatnam: The sudden recession of the sea near the RK Beach area in Visakhapatnam caused panic among the locals on Sunday. Visakhapatnam generally experiences sea erosion with high tides during the rainy season. However, the receding sea level, which typically occurs before adverse events like a tsunami, has raised concerns among the residents.
The sea retreated by up to 100 metres, exposing stones that are usually submerged, providing an unusual sight for tourists.The low tides, accompanied by the sea’s recession, offered tourists a rare opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the sea and venture somewhat deeper into the waters.
Speaking to TOI, Andhra University retired professor from the oceanography department, Dr BSR Reddy, explained that one of the most common reasons for a perceived sea recession is seasonal variation. “Tides are the periodic rise and fall of sea levels, driven by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun. During low tide, the sea level appears to withdraw, creating the illusion of a recession. This is a natural occurrence, and conditions typically return to normal within a day or two. This could be the reason for the current sea situation in Visakhapatnam,” said Prof Reddy.
“Extreme weather events such as cyclones can also temporarily shift large volumes of water, causing sea levels to rise. Once these storms subside, the sea level may seem to have receded. For example, even if a cyclone is heading towards Odisha, storm surges can still impact Visakhapatnam. Oceanic temperatures can also play a role in sea levels—warmer waters expand, leading to higher sea levels, while cooler waters contract, resulting in a temporary dip,” added Prof Reddy.
S. Dharmendra, a tourist from Srikakulam, said that he was able to go deeper into the sea due to the receded shoreline on Sunday in Visakhapatnam. “We have visited several times in the past, but we could never climb the stones before,” Dharmendra said.
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On Sunday, Visakhapatnam’s RK Beach saw the sea retreat by up to 100 metres, causing concern among locals. Tourists observed previously submerged stones and ventured deeper into the sea. Dr BSR Reddy from Andhra University explained the phenomenon as likely due to seasonal tidal variations, not an impending tsunami. The situation was expected to normalize soon.
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