Cyclone Ockhi: Toll Rises to Nine in Tamil Nadu’s Kanyakumari and Kerala

CHENNAI/THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
Cyclone Ockhi, that killed four people in coastal Kerala and five in Tamil Nadu’s Kanyakumari district as of Friday, is moving west­north westwards towards Lakshadweep in the Arabian Sea today, where it is likely to intensify further during the next 24 hours and then move north/northeastwards during the subsequent 48 hours.
The IMD office said that the cyclone has moved away from Kanyakumari and Thiruvananthapuram. Heavy rain is expected in south Kerala for the next 24 hours and south Tamil Nadu for the next 12 hours. Schools in the coastal districts in the two states have been closed. Over 80 fishermen from coastal villages in Kerala’s Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram remain missing and are suspected to be stranded at sea. Chennai can expect moderate and intermittent spells of rain on Friday.
Thiruvananthapuram saw a respite from incessant rains Friday morning. Several trains to and from Thiruvananthapuram were either delayed, cancelled or re-scheduled.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said there were serious lapses from the side of state disaster management department. The alert from Hyderabad was not sent to the Government on time.
Around 22 fishermen missing, 62 houses fully damaged and 240 houses partly damaged due to heavy rains, in Kanyakumari district. 16 rehabilitation centres established by government in which 1044 people are being given shelter.
Ockhi can lead to cloudy weather coupled with light rain for some parts along Maharashtra coast and Mumbai next week, reports said. The IMD has issued warning to all ports. Skymet predicted that there will be light rains in Saurashtra and Kutch region of Gujarat as well.
Tamil Nadu CM K Palaniswami announces Rs 5 lakh compensation to kin of the five deceased in Kanyakumari district due to rain-related incidents.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has spoken to the DG of NDRF and reviewed the situation in areas affected by Cyclone Ockhi. NDRF teams have already been moved to the affected areas. More teams are on standby to respond to any further emergencies. The Home Affairs ministry is closely monitoring the situation, according to a the HMO.