Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu) :  At least, four people were killed as heavy rains and strong winds disrupted normal life in Tamil Nadu's Kanyakumari on Thursday.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert of heavy rainfall in the town and several other places in the state.

According to media reports, cyclone 'Ockhi' has lashed parts of Tamil Nadu and Keralawith torrential rains and gusty winds since a week.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Agency (TNSDM) said that the depression is likely to intensify further into a cyclonic storm during the next 12 hours. Also, heavy winds with speed reaching 45-55 kmph will gust to 65 kmph likely along and off Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram and Pudukottai coasts.

Following this, the fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea along and off south Tamil Nadu, south Kerala coasts and Lakshadweep islands.

Schools in seven districts of the state including Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, Virudhunagar have also been closed.