Inundation characteristics and geomorphological impacts of December 2004 tsunami on Kerala coast

Inundation characteristics and geomorphological changes associated with the December 2004 tsunami along the Kerala coast are presented here based on post-tsunami surveys, tide data and beach profile measurements. Maximum inundation and damage was caused in the zones adjoining Kayamkulam inlet in southern Kerala. Arrival of the tsunami coincided with the high tide in this sector, resulting in maximum devastation. Impact of the tsunami was not felt in the afternoon in northern Kerala due to the ebb or low tide and maximum inundation along that sector is reported during midnight, coinciding with the next high tide. Beach profile measurements confirm erosional tendency of the tsunami, which deposited huge quantities of black sand in the hinterland regions of the worst-affected Kayamkulam inlet area.