(Image tweeted by @sophilal)
Chennai: At least 80 fishermen and 50 boats have gone missing after cyclone Ockhi lashed the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu and Kerala with torrential rainfall and gusty winds.
The cyclone has so far claimed the lives of four people in Kerala.
On Thursday, a man in an autorickshaw died in Kollam after a tree fell on the three-wheeler, two others were electrocuted in Trivandrum and a woman died after a tree fell on her house in Vizhinjam due to the cyclone.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has already issued an alert of heavy to very heavy rainfall in both the states.
Cyclone Ockhi Hiting the southern part of Tamilnadu, Scenes from Velankanni Kanyakumari. Wind speeding to 60-85kmph. Don't panic & Don't go outside #BeSafe #CycloneOckhi pic.twitter.com/0qCJ2ru9Wi
— Ak (@ImArulkarthik) November 30, 2017
The depression in Southwest Bay of Bengal had snowballed into the cyclonic storm- Ockhi and is now moving towards Lakshwadeep Islands.
Schools in seven districts of Tamil Nadu, including Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari and Virudhunagar remained closed.
The deadly storm has killed seven people in neighbouring Sri Lanka and affected the lives of nearly 20,000 people.
At least seven people dead and five fishermen missing in #SriLanka as a tropical storm hit the country. (Earlier visuals) pic.twitter.com/JPnkqYZ2NW
— ANI (@ANI) November 30, 2017
Several naval ships have been deployed for rescue operations as Tamil Nadu and Kerala brace for the cyclonic storm Ockhi, confirmed Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
"CGS Samarth sailed from Kochi for rescue. All the seven units are directed to work for rescue along and off Kerala coast. In addition, the Eastern Naval Command will launch P8i Maritime Patrol aircraft," said Sitharaman
In a series of tweets, Sitharaman further informed that six warships and two coast guard ships have been deployed along with additional air effort.
"INS Sagardhwani sailed to join for Search & Rescue. Total warships deployed SIX (06). Additional air effort (Dorniers sorties) being planned with first light tomorrow."
"For Search & Rescue (SAR) off Kanyakumari India Coast Guard deploying 2 OPVs in the area, and 1 OPV is being deployed ex Toothukudi. Additional Dornier sorties will be taken up from dawn."
"Search and rescue of missing fishing boats with crew & Marine Engg vessel at sea due to Cyclone Ockhi off Kerala coast. Total 6 warships & 2 coast guard ships have been deployed along with additional air effort tomorrow."
